Massage Therapy and Cancer Metastasis: Safety Considerations
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that massage therapy can spread cancer cells throughout the body. 1
Safety of Massage Therapy in Cancer Patients
Massage therapy has been studied extensively in cancer care settings and is considered safe when performed by trained professionals. The Society for Integrative Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines specifically address this concern:
- Multiple clinical trials have evaluated massage therapy in cancer patients without reporting increased metastasis or cancer progression 1
- Serious adverse events associated with massage therapy are "extremely rare," especially when performed by trained professionals 1
- Massage therapy is increasingly integrated into conventional cancer care settings at major cancer centers 2
Benefits of Massage for Cancer Patients
While there are no concerns about massage spreading cancer, there are documented benefits:
- Reduction in cancer-related pain by approximately 50% in some studies 2, 3
- Decreased anxiety and stress in cancer patients 1, 4
- Potential improvements in fatigue, nausea, and depression symptoms 2, 5
Evidence Quality and Recommendations
The American College of Chest Physicians guidelines note:
- "Some moderate-strength data from RCTs support the premise that massage therapy can be an effective adjunct in cancer supportive care to reduce anxiety and pain" 1
- "In lung cancer patients whose anxiety or pain is not adequately controlled by usual care, addition of massage therapy performed by trained professionals is suggested as part of a multi-modality cancer supportive care program" (Grade 2B recommendation) 1
Important Considerations for Massage in Cancer Patients
While massage doesn't spread cancer, certain precautions should be taken:
- Massage should be performed by therapists trained in oncology massage who understand cancer-specific considerations 6
- Pressure modifications may be needed in areas affected by:
- Recent surgery
- Radiation treatment sites
- Areas with tumor involvement
- Sites with bone metastasis
- Areas with medical devices
Meta-Analysis Results
A 2015 meta-analysis of 12 studies with 559 participants found:
- Significant reduction in cancer pain after massage compared to no massage or conventional care 3
- Foot reflexology appeared more effective than body or aroma massage for pain relief 3
Conclusion
The concern that massage therapy could spread cancer cells is not supported by scientific evidence. Instead, massage therapy performed by qualified professionals is considered a safe complementary therapy that may help manage symptoms like pain and anxiety in cancer patients.