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Alternative therapy
Massage therapy
Integrative · Massage
Tier CUse with cautionRating: 45/100
Important
Do not replace or delay standard cancer treatment with unproven therapies. Always consult your oncology team before starting anything new.
Summary
Massage therapy is used to help with stress, pain, and overall comfort during cancer care. It is not an anti-tumor treatment.
Claims: Symptom relief, Supportive/adjunct
Evidence
Limited evidence suggests massage may help some people manage symptoms or treatment side effects.
Negative/neutral evidence: No evidence shows massage treats or cures cancer.
Evidence is limited and varies by symptom and study quality.
Safety & interactions
Patients should consult their oncology team before starting massage.
Warnings
- • Discuss with your oncology team, especially with low platelets, bone metastases, or recent surgery.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2/19/2026 · Rating methodology