Massage
Massage is an ancient form of therapy involving the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body (the muscles, tendons and ligaments) by the hands of the masseuse (1). There are many schools of massage, with each having their particular emphasis and techniques. Not all states require that a professional masseuse obtain certification, but people seeking massage for therapeutic reasons should be sure that the masseuse is certified by the National Certification Board of Massage (2).
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About 40 percent of people with
cancer are treated with alternative or complementary therapies, including massage (3). In 2007, a study of
cancer patients suggested that a regimen of massage and
acupuncture had a significantly decreased level of pain and depression following cancer-related
surgery (3, 4). Many hospitals and
cancer centers now offer massage to cancer patients (2).
There is some concern over the possibility of risks of massage for cancer patients. It is not clear whether tissue manipulation in the area of a tumor can increase the risk of cancer cells traveling to other parts of the body. The American Cancer Society advices cancer patients to avoid massage near tumors and lumps that may be cancerous until it is determined that massage poses no such risk (2).