By Neena Bhandari
Sydney, 22.07.2021 (The Medical Republic): Major cancer hospitals across the country are offering oncology massage as one of the tools in their integrative oncology and support centres to help some people cope better with treatment.
When Marcia Sherring underwent a bilateral mastectomy and related surgeries followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, her surgeon referred her to the integrative oncology service at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a comprehensive cancer hospital in Sydney. She was recommended oncology massage for her lymphedema.
At first, she was hesitant. “I looked like an extra from a war movie with lots of scars and stitches on my body. But to my surprise, the oncology massage therapist wasn’t shocked. She seemed to have complete knowledge and understanding of my medical history and she modified her technique to account for the adhesions and scarring on my chest. It made me feel safe and confident in her hands”, says Sherring.