Circulatory massage is no longer thought of as an absolute contraindication to cancer as it was years ago. At one time it was believed to spread cancer. Modern research has shown that to be untrue.

Some important healing benefits of massage are:

• Massage can help to eliminate the isolation often felt by cancer patients with a caring touch and reassurance.
• Massage clients dealing with cancer often report reduction in pain, anxiety, nausea, fatigue and depression.  More scientific studies are now being performed to supports these reports. Bodywork can help decrease depression, anxiety, and pain by increasing higher dopamine levels.
• Massage aids the functioning of the immune system (including higher lymphocyte count)
• In breast cancer: massage to the area (with or without reconstruction) aids improvement of nerve function in the affected area; reduction of scar tissue; prevention and/or minimization of secondary issues including frozen shoulder, thoracic outlet syndrome, and tendonitis.
• Massage can aid the ill effects of constipation from post surgery.

The following are some considerations of massage therapy to cancer patients:

• Avoid direct pressure or massage to a superficial tumor and abdominal pressure when this area is involved. 
• Fatigue: work shorter and lighter, and during good times of the day for the client.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) / a blood clot: avoid massage anywhere DVT risk is elevated (surgery site, areas of inflammation, lower extremities) until physician has verified that DVT risk has subsided:
• Bone involvement/fragility: avoid deep pressure
• Significant cancer pain: massage light to tolerance
• Avoid radiation treatment burns. 
• Lymphedema: Deep tissue massage to the effected area is contraindicated for those who already have lymphedema. However, light massage can help prevent the occurrence of this condition post-surgery."
• Mastectomy massage is not recommended for acute lymphedema states, but is designed as a possible preventive treatment for lymphedema and a maintenance program after. It can also reduce scar tissue, which can cause pain.
• Medical Devices( include ports, ostomies, surgical drains, catheters): can remain in place for days to weeks post-surgery. Avoid disturbing with massage, movement, draping or positioning (bolstering).
• Chemotherapy clients: Avoid a vigorous massage intended to increase general circulation – this is not a time to detoxify or move fluids, as the body is already dealing with strong medications.
• Clients with low white blood cells have reduced ability to fight infection, feel tired and sick. Follow additional precautions dictated by medical staff/client to reduce the chance of infection. Massage should be gentle in these cases. If experiencing achy bones, gentle holding of achy areas may provide relief. Watch for signs of infection (fever, chills, etc.) and encourage client to contact physician if signs develop. If feeling the onset of a cold, allergies or other exposure to possible infection, avoid contact with a client.
• Clients with low red blood cells are anemic, may feel fatigued, intolerant of cold, experience lightheadedness and rapid heart rate. Gentler treatment is indicated. Use additional blankets as needed to keep client warm. Change positions slowly, and have client remain sitting for a bit before rising from the table at the end of a session. There may be other side effects from medications given to treat the anemia, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and constipation. The more side effects, the gentler the massage should be.

NOTE: The above article was researched by my massage therapy students at the "Therapeutic Bodywork Learning Center"