Massaging people with cancer
Until lately massaging people with cancer was considered to be contraindicated because of the fear of spreading the cancer to other regions of the body through the movements of interstitial fluids, lymph fluids and blood. Several pioneers have come forward such as Debra Curties, Gayle MacDonald, and others to prove with special precautions that massaging someone with cancer the risk can be minimized and outweigh the benefits of skilled touch. 
With clear understanding of the disease certain types of massage or massage techniques are contraindicated for those with cancer or undergoing treatment for cancer. However, the beneficial techniques can provide support both emotionally and mechanically for those going through treatment providing precautions are taken for ports and locally contraindicated items. But the benefits will still out weigh the risks the immune system boost that it can provide will aid the patient in recovery on a physical and psychological level.
People who receive a diagnosis of cancer are suddenly faced with life altering choices to make and those who have put off diagnosis can veen be faced with life threatening choices. They are all of the sudden faced with a fight against the disease and a struggle simply to survive and function on a day to day basis. This can have deep impact on many levels mental, emotional, and physical. The adverse affects on the physical level can be both from the treatment or the disease itself. The benefits of massage for people with cancer can be for the relief of pain from treatment or disease, or the treatment for depression, anxiety, which can eliminate nausea, and insomnia in most cases. Massage can relieve muscle spasm, muscle tension, and fatigue which can benefit the patient in the physical and emotional arena. Massage also improves lymph movement, better digestion, and elimination of edema helping the body to return to homeostasis quicker.
