The Risks of Treating Cancer Patients Without Proper Oncology Education
Massage therapy can be an incredible source of relief for people living with or beyond cancer. Gentle, skilled touch can ease pain, reduce anxiety, and restore a sense of comfort. But here’s the challenge: without proper oncology training, RMTs risk offering care that is ineffective at best — and unsafe at worst.
In Part 1: Why Oncology Patients Need More Than Standard Massage Training, we explored the gaps in standard massage education. In this post, we’ll look more closely at the risks of treating oncology patients without specialized training — and how RMTs can close that gap safely.
Where the Risks Lie
Oncology patients present with medical histories, treatments, and vulnerabilities that demand specialized knowledge. Here’s where untrained care can go wrong:
Ports, catheters, and medical devices
Applying pressure near a port or catheter without understanding placement can cause pain, bruising, or medical complications.Compromised lymphatic systems
Many oncology patients are at risk for lymphedema after surgery or lymph node removal. Without training, massage in certain areas may trigger or worsen swelling.Fragile tissues and skin
Radiation and chemotherapy can leave skin thin, delicate, and prone to tearing. Deep pressure or even standard techniques may cause damage.Blood clot and infection risks
Low platelet counts or weakened immune systems mean therapists must carefully adapt treatment — something rarely covered in foundational training.Emotional and psychological impact
Patients may be carrying trauma, fear, or grief. Without sensitivity and awareness, even well-intended treatment can feel unsafe or overwhelming.
Why “Just Be Gentle” Isn’t Enough
A common myth in massage therapy is that working with oncology patients is as simple as “using lighter pressure.” Unfortunately, this oversimplifies the reality. Cancer care requires more than gentle touch — it requires:
Understanding treatment timelines (pre-treatment, active treatment, remission, or palliative).
Adapting techniques to fluctuating energy levels, pain, and medication side effects.
Communicating confidently with medical teams and family members.
Without this foundation, therapists may unintentionally cross into unsafe territory — or avoid working with oncology patients altogether, leaving a major gap in care.
The Cost of Skipping Training
The risk isn’t only to patients — it’s also to the therapist. Without proper oncology education, RMTs may:
Feel anxious or hesitant when treating cancer survivors.
Lose out on referrals from oncologists and healthcare teams.
Limit their professional growth and practice potential.
By contrast, RMTs who complete oncology massage training consistently report greater confidence, more referrals, and deeper patient trust.
How to Close the Gap
At Same Stars Academy, our Oncology Massage Therapy: Level 1 & 2 courses are designed to eliminate these risks by giving RMTs practical, hands-on knowledge:
Safe adaptations for every stage of cancer care.
Clear understanding of oncology pathophysiology and treatment side effects.
Communication strategies for working with patients, families, and medical professionals.
📅 Our next Foundations of Oncology Massage Therapy: Level 1 runs Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Spaces are limited.
Final Word
Massage therapy can transform the quality of life for oncology patients — but only when it’s done with the right training. By investing in advanced oncology education, RMTs can move from uncertainty to confidence, ensuring their care is not only compassionate, but safe, skilled, and life-enhancing.
Did you miss Part 1? Catch up here: Why Oncology Patients Need More Than Standard Massage Training.
