In the recent past, cancer was viewed as a contraindication for massage. It was believed that massage coild cause cancer to metastasize via the blood and lymph system, therefore, spreading throughout the client's body. However, the more we learn about cancer and how it begins, grows, and spreads, the more we realize that stimulation of circulation will not make cancer spread.

Cancer cells gain the ability to spread and grow on other parts of the body (metastisis) because they acquire several critical mutations in their genes, not because they are physically moved to the new location. Massage is not more detrimental for someone living with cancer than taking a shower, riding a bike, breathing, or any daily activity of normal life.

Cancer changes a person forever. Cancer and cancer treatment affects every person differently. Therefore, to enhance quality, cancer patients have turned toward complementary and alternative medicine, also referred to as integrative medicine. Integrative medicine focuses on the importance of building up the body and immune system first, using diet, reducing stress, acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, and prayer to manage side effects of treatment.

Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment can include fatique, pain, and anxiety. A safe and appropiate massage should cause none of those situations, but instead provide relaxation, comfort, stress reduction, and a better quality of life. A massage therapist trained to work with cancer patients knows how to adapt massage. In this way patients can receive the benefits of massage during their treatment period. It is inspiring to see how massage affect those living with cancer. Anxiety is curbed and pain reduced leading to a feeling of wholeness.

Lymphedema

Our bodies have a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. These vessels drain and carry watery, clear lymph fluid much the same way that veins collect blood from all parts of the body and carry it throughout the body. Lymph fluid contains proteins, salts, and water. It also contains white blood cells, which help to fight infections.

Lymphedema can become a problem after surgery or radiation treatment for any type of cancer, but it is most often linked to tretaments for breast cancer, prostate cancer, pelvic area cancers, lymphoma, and melanoma. Most of the time, lymphedema affects the arms or legs but it can happen in other areas too. If lymphedema occurs after breast cancer treatment, it can affect the breast and underarm as well as the entire arm closest to the area where surgery was performed. Another problem that sometimes occurs is that the cancer itself can cause a blockage in the lymph system which can cause lymphedema. Also, infections that restrict lymph flow can be a factor in the cause of lymphedema. The more common form of lymphedema develops slowly over time. It may show up many months or even years after cancer treatment. The swelling can range from mild to severe. People who have many lymph nodes removed and/or radiation therapy may have a higher risk for development of lymphedema.

Signs of lymphedema includes:  

- the skin in the area changes texture, and may feel tight or hard

- aching or discomfort in the area

- less movement or flexibility in nearby joints, such as your hand, wrist or ankle

- trouble fitting into clothes in one area, such as the sleeve of your jacket, a pant leg, or your sock being tight

- your ring, watch, and/or bracelet feel tight but you have not gained weight

If you are diagnosed with lymphedema there are treatments available that can reduce swelling, keep it from getting worse, and decrease the risk of infection. In most cases the treatment is prescribed by your doctor and given by a massage therapist who is specifically trained in manual lymphatic drainage.