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Media backgrounder - massage and cancer care

Media backgrounder from the Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan for National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, October 21 – 27, 2007

The MTAS represents registered massage therapists in Saskatchewan.  Every year MTAS in conjunction with Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance celebrates National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. With the increase in cancer diagnoses in Canada and the importance of massage as a complementary therapy in cancer care, National Massage Therapy Awareness Week in 2007 is focusing on educating the public about the benefits as well as the areas to consider when using massage therapy for cancer patients.

The role of massage therapy in cancer care

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of premature death – or early death – in Canada. An estimated 159,900 new cases of cancer will occur in Canada in 2007. In Saskatchewan 5,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, an average of 96 people per week.

Massage therapy for people living with cancer is focused on offering an individual a safe place to rest, helps to reduce stress and can provide a sense of well-being. Massage therapy may also help with:

• Pain management
• Muscular/Soft tissue tightness/tension
• Anxiety and depression
• Self-esteem and body image
• Limited range of motion and decreased flexibility (stiffness)
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Massage Therapy may be used to help relieve symptoms of cancer or reduce treatment-related side effects, so it is a complementary therapy. It is not an alternative to conventional treatment.  Although not a cure, massage therapy has been proven to help patients cope with some of the physical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatment.

Massage therapy during cancer treatment

Massage therapy is generally considered a safe type of therapy for people with cancer. However, there are important considerations to be taken into account when giving or receiving treatment. Finding a massage therapist experienced and comfortable with both cancer patients and the conventional care commonly used is paramount. Your massage therapist should be comfortable communicating with your doctor on an ongoing basis.

Considerations for the client:

1. Ensure that your massage therapist is registered with the Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan (MTAS).  This assures you that you are receiving treatment from an individual who has received a minimum of 2,200 hours of education, is knowledgeable, and can provide safe and effective treatment.
2. Talk to your oncologist and other members of your health care team before you have massage therapy.  Your doctor may recommend certain treatments for the massage therapist to focus on, or have the massage therapist adapt the treatment for your needs.
3. Tell your massage therapist about your cancer and any treatments you are receiving. Your therapist needs to be aware of the location of the cancer so that the therapist can plan your therapy and work gently and with extra caution to avoid areas that should not be massaged.
4. Ask Questions!  A registered massage therapist is ready and able to answer your questions about massage before, during and after your treatment.
5. Let your massage therapist know how you are feeling about your massage treatment.  Feedback helps your therapist to carefully assess and evaluate your progress.

Why choose a registered massage therapist: (MTAS member)

1. The goal of the massage therapist is to reintegrate the body, to work gently and with caution. When interviewing a potential massage therapist, ask about education, experience, registration, and certification. The right massage therapist will be knowledgeable about risks and benefits of massage for people living with cancer. MTAS members all have a minimum of 2,200 hours of education, continue their education throughout their career, and carry liability insurance. Ask to see their current MTAS registration.
2. MTAS members understand how your current or past cancer treatments (surgery/radiation/chemo/bone morrow/transplant), side effects and other complications should effect the care they give you.
3. MTAS members are able to ensure a continuous communication between a patient and medical professionals and respond to any changes in a patient’s health.

For further information on MTAS, please contact: Lori Green, 384-7077 or email execdir.mtas@sasktel.net

Last modified on:  10 December 2009

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