Q: I recently had a mastectomy for breast cancer. Is it safe for me to get a massage?
A: Massage is an important therapy for cancer patients that can provide relaxation, improve mood and sense of well being, relieve symptoms, and decrease muscle spasms. Studies evaluating the effects of massage on women with breast cancer have shown that massage may help decrease anxiety, depression, and anger, and may even boost the body's immune system (the system that fights off illness and disease in the body). Other studies have shown that cancer patients have experienced a decrease in symptoms such as nausea and pain when receiving weekly massage.
Cautions
There are several things the cancer patient must be alert to when it comes to massage. First of all, massage is probably not a good idea if a person has blood clots, a low white blood cell count (white blood cells help fight disease or infection), or low platelets (which help blood to clot in the body). In addition, deep and vigorous massage is not a good idea for someone who has active cancer and/or for someone who has fragile skin. The specific area where a tumor is located should not be actively massaged nor should areas where there are radioactive implants.
Benefits
It is important as a cancer patient that you specifically see a massage therapist who has been trained in medical massage but who is also very familiar with working with cancer patients. In the right hands, massage can be a wonderful complementary therapy but in the wrong hands complications can occur as a result of massage.
In the case of breast cancer, where a woman may have had a mastectomy as well as removal of lymph nodes, she may develop or be prone to developing a condition known as lymphedema. Lymphedema is a collection of fluid that occurs because lymph nodes (nodes that help fight infection and clear the body of toxins) are not functioning the way that they should - either as a result of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Fluid may collect in a woman's arm on the side where the lymph nodes were disrupted. Massage that is performed by someone trained in a technique called "manual lymphatic drainage" or MLD may actually help reduce and prevent lymphedema. On the other hand, massage performed incorrectly may actually cause lymphedema.
Have a thorough discussion with your oncologist about whether or not he or she feels it is safe for you to have a massage. Inquire as to whether or not your medical system or hospital has massage therapists who have been specifically trained in medical massage and manual lymphatic drainage. As mentioned above, massage can be a very important tool for helping you heal, but make sure you are working with someone who is qualified to address and be attentive to your needs. |
