Why Oncology Massage Is Not Just for End-of-Life Care

The words “oncology massage” bring up images of hospice care and fragile clients. While massage can play a powerful and compassionate role in palliative and hospice settings, limiting our view of oncology massage to end-of-life care overlooks a wide spectrum of people who can benefit—and need—the support of massage.

People Are Living Longer with Cancer

Cancer is not always a terminal diagnosis and survivorship rates are increasing. Many people are cured of cancer. Others live for years after their initial diagnosis with cancer as a chronic condition, managing treatment cycles and side effects..These clients often:

• Have finished treatment and are in recovery or remission

• Are undergoing long-term maintenance therapy

• Are dealing with long-term or late side effects (e.g., neuropathy, lymphedema, fatigue)

• Are balancing cancer treatment with daily life and work

  
  

Oncology Massage Support

Oncology massage is not a specific technique—it is an informed approach that helps massage therapists to safely adapt techniques for people at any stage of cancer and beyond. This includes:

• Before treatment: helping clients manage stress and prepare for surgery or other treatments

• During treatment: supporting fatigue, pain, and emotional overwhelm

• Post-treatment: addressing scar tissue, range of motion, and long-term side effects

• Survivorship: fostering reconnection with the body and reclaiming wellness

• Palliative /hospice care: enhancing comfort and supporting optimal functioning

The more a massage therapist knows, the more we can educate potential clients of the enormous benefits massage can bring as they navigate the complex side effects of cancer treatment.

Oncology massage plays a supportive role in palliative and hospice care.