Oncology Massage

• Describe the basic principles and considerations of oncology massage.
• Identify common types of cancer treatments and their potential implications for massage therapy.
• Explain how pressure, treatment site, positioning, and duration may be adapted for oncology clients.
• Identify important considerations when planning a massage session for a client with cancer.
• Recognize precautions and special considerations associated with cancer and cancer treatments.
• Describe current research related to cancer and massage therapy.
• Explain the concept of integrative cancer care and its relationship to massage therapy.
• Describe professional and therapeutic relationship considerations when working with clients who have cancer.

• Text: Oncology Massage by Janet Penny and Rebecca L. Sturgeon, 320 pages
• Study guide with instructions
• 75-question online multiple-choice exam
• Course evaluation
• Certificate of achievement upon completion
• Unlimited phone support

The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.

Our massage online continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.

For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.

I liked the amount of information given. Very helpful & explained in details that expand my knowledge & will be very helpful in my field of practice. - Maricela B.

As someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, I seek to learn more about Oncology Massage. I learned more about Oncology Massage in the course. I, also, enjoy the stories within. - Marlene P.

So comprehensive and informational. I will use this book as a resource for years to come. - Shelly D., LMT

The best oncology course I have ever taken. - Miles F.

What is metastasis?
A. The formation of new blood vessels
B. A change in the DNA sequence of an organism, virus, or extrachromosomal DNA
C. The spread of cancerous cells from an original - “primary” - cancer site to a different part of the body
D. The spread of cancerous cells from a different part of the body to the original - “primary” - cancer site

What is planned and performed with “the goal of achieving specific therapeutic effects that relate to a client’s presenting impairments or wellness goals”?
A. Evidence-informed practice (EIP)
B. Evidence-based practice (EBP)
C. Outcome-based massage (OBM)
D. CIM research

Which of the following precautions should a therapist take when a client is experiencing side effects of fatigue, chemotherapy-related fatigue, or radiation-induced fatigue?
A. Wear gloves to protect possible contact with vomit
B. Avoid applying lotion to or rubbing hands and feet
C. Provide breaks in the treatment for client to drink water if necessary
D. Avoid deep and stimulating techniques

The primary adaptations we make for oncology massage have to do with pressure, site, positioning, and __________, and you may want to structure your intake form to include questions directly related to these considerations.
A. Speed
B. Temperature
C. Depth
D. Duration