Massage is considered a type of complementary therapy. Complementary therapies aim to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease

They are used together with conventional or mainstream medicine.

Complementary therapies are not used instead of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or drug therapy.

As well as improving physical symptoms, some people with cancer say that having a massage:

• makes them feel whole again

• helps them to relax

• helps them share feelings in an informal setting

• makes them feel more positive about their body

• rebuilds hope.

studies have shown that massage may reduce pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression.

Individuals who have had massages during cancer treatments have reported a range of positive outcomes such as improvements in:

• sleep
• the health of the scar tissue
• quality of life
• mental clarity and alertness
• the range of movement.

Massage can safely be given to people at all stages of cancer. Tumour or treatment sites should not be massaged to avoid discomfort or pressure on the affected area and underlying organs.