Oncology Massage

Oncology massage is a gentle, specially adapted form of massage designed to support people undergoing cancer treatment or living with a cancer diagnosis. It’s safe, soothing and tailored to your unique needs—whether you’re receiving chemotherapy or radiation, recovering from surgery, or in long-term or palliative care.

Many patients find that oncology massage helps with:

  • Reducing pain and muscle tension
  • Easing anxiety and emotional stress
  • Improving sleep
  • Helping with nausea or fatigue
  • Supporting recovery through surgery
  • Managing lymphedema
  • Promoting a sense of calm and well-being

To be eligible for oncology massage, you must:

  • be receiving active cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation) at St. Charles Cancer Center, and
  • be under the care of a St. Charles oncologist

Patients receiving long-term or palliative care may also qualify for ongoing sessions on a case-by-case basis.

Is it safe for me?

Yes! Your massage therapist is specially trained to work safely with cancer patients. They will adjust pressure, positioning, and techniques to fit your needs and any medical conditions you may have.

They’ll also take into account:

  • Areas to avoid (such as surgery sites, radiation areas, or ports)
  • Your current energy level and symptoms
  • Any side effects from treatment (such as low blood counts or neuropathy)

What happens during a session?

  • Sessions are usually 45 minutes in length.
  • The therapist will use gentle, slow, comforting techniques tailored to your individual needs.
  • You can pause or stop at any time - your comfort is what matters most.

Scheduling

All eligible oncology patients are entitled to:

  • Two initial massage sessions, scheduled no less than two weeks apart

Continued Therapy

  • If continued need or benefit is observed, the therapist may approve additional sessions during active treatment.
  • Ongoing sessions may be scheduled:
    • One session every two weeks
    • Up to four appointments may be prescheduled in advance

Long-Term and Palliative Care Patients

Patients in long-term management or palliative care (for example, those with metastatic disease) may:

  • Schedule one session every four weeks
  • Preschedule up to two appointments in advance

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Integrative Therapies services, patients must:

  • Be under the care of a St. Charles oncologist, and
  • Be in active treatment, receiving chemotherapy or radiation at St. Charles Cancer Center

Additional eligibility considerations:

Patients receiving palliative care or experiencing extended treatments that result in new or fluctuating side effects may qualify for additional services on a case-by-case basis.