In response to any massage deep or otherwise it has contributed well in response to many oncology /cancer patients.
I am a university lecturer and work closely with a cancer clinic and cancer charity and perform and supervise students working with clients with various types of cancer.
It is now acknowledged that any form of massage will not spread cancer. However, the massage should be performed by a suitably qualified, insured therapist or practitioner that has experience working with oncology clients. It must be mentioned however, that there are possible contra-indications to massage where it would not be performed. For example over a recently radiated area, tumour, sore or cut area or o9n a recently operated area, etc. Although current research in France is using oils on areas that are to be radiated on and our own clients receive treatments, before and after receiving radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, which has been found to relax clients and reduce some of the after effects/symptoms they normally get following treatments.
All clients who are about to receive any form of treatment will have a consultation with the therapist/practitioner and a complete medical history taken and consent form before any treatment takes place.
At present we are conducting much needed research and clinical audits with a view on complementary medicine used on cancer clients with much success. Indeed the areas of practice we use are massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, manual lymph drainage and indian head massage.
Any form of complementary medicine is a good adjunct with regular and conventional medical treatments. It will do no harm providing you consult with a qualified therapist. However, any form of massage, etc will not bring a cure, but it will help with relaxation and other quality of life issues to help make things more bearable and aid recovery of the condition.
I hope this has helped answer your question. It will do no harm if done professionally an in the right hands. Cancer charities are now offering cancer patients much more in the way of comfort with the use of complementary medicine.
Best wishes Beverley W., England