Hi,

My mum-in-law has cancer, and a client of mine says people with cancer shouldn't get facials.

can someone tell me why this is? She loves getting them done and don't wanna ahve to tell her she can't get them done.

What about massages?

Facial massage should be avoided with Cancer patients. Massage particular is a no I'm affraid.

The only treatments you can give are manicures and pedicures, again without the massage. Also no abrassive scrubs or cutting as patients with cancer, those especially having treatment, the skin is very thin. Almost paper like and with added pressure for massage can bruise easily.

Treatments are only allowed once the patient has had medical clearence.

Shes been going to macmillan nurse arranged drop in sessions and they have been doing massages for cancer patients?

My ex mother in law ahd massages when she had breast cancer ?, If I remember right they thought it was a good idea for relaxation ?

All I know is that through my insurance with The Guild I am not allowed to massage cancer patients who are having treatment with Chemo or Radiotherapy. Also not until the patient has had medical clearance.

My friend has breast cancer and she is not permitted to having any treatments done. She can only have basic manicures with no massage, scrubs or cutting involved.

Here is a link you may find useful.
http://www.beautyguild.com/_download...%20massage.doc

I've heard that people cant get massage esp done before but not facials, til this woman said. and its made me wonder cos whya re macmillan nurses offering massages if it shouldnt be done? everyone should be well educated on this. xx

I have a client who has whole body massage on recommendation from her consultant. She had a letter from him saying that she could have them and that they would be beneficial.

It is only because of the letter though that i would do any treatment that involved massage on her just to be on the safe side.

If she did not have the letter then I wouldnt have done so purely for insurance reasons and also so that I know I am not going to hurt her.

They really help and she also has them at the hospice. I also give her a facial including massage but only because she has this letter explicitly saying she can have massage.

Maybe your lady could get her consultant/doctor to write her one so you are covered.

I appreciate all advice. Will get her to talk to her doctor asap.

Just think it is a shame that not everyone has the proper education about this. xx

spread the cancer??? this is a bit more serious thenbruising the skin (not that im not concerned about) does anyone have any more information on this??x

The hospital my lady goes to actually offer massage as a therapy to her as part of her treatment. Surely if it spread the cancer the consultant would not have advised her to have it. It is a well known hospital in London.

I just read on cancer research uk website that no evidence has been found to prove that massage can cause cancer to spread. got me worried. from what ive read on here etc i will get her to talk to her doctor and get a letter. thanks xx

Why not get in touch with your insurance? They will be able to tell you what you can and cannot do.

Also a letter from a doctor or consultant giving permission for the treatment to go a head.

If this is your mother in law then I don't see why you can't give her a facial. I don't mean to pry but is she terminal? If she is then a facial will be pampering and relaxing for her, what a treat for her, she deserves it! Macmillan nurses and the nurses in the hospice are all trained in palliative care and give hand, foot and head massages for terminally ill patients.

However the other girls are right your insurance won't cover you and I personally wouldn't give a full body massage to a client without their doctors permission.

But this is your mother in law....

Personally I am of the opinion that it is highly unlikely that massage spreads cancer, especially based on the complete lack of evidence to support this claim. However, as with all things it is best to play it safe & get a doctor's note. That said, many doctors seem to be reticent to give the go ahead "just in case".

Have removed original answer as this was confusing and apologies as I didn't make it clear. The lymphatic system helps the immune system to remove waste, toxins and cancer cells. When this system is compromised there is an inability for the lymphatic system to remove these cancerous cells.

Hope this is clearer now. However, unless I had received the ok from the patient's consultant I still wouldn't massage