Massage Benefits Breast Cancer Patients

Twice-weekly massages may help women cope with breast cancer, a new study finds. For five weeks, 86 women with breast cancer (average age: 59) either stuck with their normal health-care routine or received two half-hour massages (targeting their backs, necks, and heads) twice a week. Among the women in the massage group, there was a remarkable decrease in fatigue, mood disturbances, and physical discomfort. Study results indicated that mood improvements were significantly greater for patients who were treated continuously by the same massage therapist.

Previous studies suggest that massage may also reduce anxiety, pain, and symptoms of depression and boost immunity in women with breast cancer. If you're currently in treatment for breast cancer and considering massage therapy, make sure to find a practitioner with experience in working with breast cancer patients. Certain types of massage (such as deep tissue massage) may be harmful for people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.