Oncology and Cancer Massage Training for Qualified Therapists

The two-day Oncology Massage course at London School of Massage provides specialist practical training for qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and eligible bodywork practitioners.

Also known as Cancer Massage Therapy, Oncology Massage adapts pressure, positioning, treatment length and technique to support clients undergoing treatment, living with cancer, in remission or receiving palliative care.

Students learn how to provide gentle, comfort-focused treatments while considering fatigue, skin sensitivity, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, lymph-node removal, medical devices and individual client needs.

Training is delivered by experienced lecturers with professional knowledge of working with people affected by cancer. It combines tutor demonstrations, supervised practice, case-based learning and ongoing feedback.

Oncology Massage Course Details

Course name Oncology / Cancer Massage Course
Course type Accredited specialist CPD course
Course duration Two practical classroom training days
Suitable for Qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and eligible bodywork practitioners
Entry qualification Recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or accepted equivalent
Training format Face-to-face practical classroom training
Practical training Adapted massage, positioning, bolstering, consultation and comfort-focused treatment planning
Theory training Cancer awareness, common treatments, side effects, precautions and professional scope
Course materials Electronic course materials and certificate
Assessment Ongoing practical assessment and tutor feedback
Formal examination No separate formal examination
Accreditation CMA, BCMA and IGCT
CPD points 14 CPD points
Professional use Integration into an existing insured massage or wellbeing practice
Training location London School of Massage, Caledonian Road near King’s Cross
Progression Scar Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage
Booking Enrol through the Oncology Massage course page

 

Who This Course Is For

Massaging with Confidence

Oncology Massage Course Overview

Oncology Massage is a gentle, adaptable approach designed around the client’s current health, treatment history, comfort and personal preferences.

Students train in:

  • Cancer terminology and common treatments
  • Possible treatment side effects
  • Sensitive consultation and communication
  • Pressure, pace and duration adaptations
  • Supportive positioning and bolstering
  • Skin, scar and lymphatic considerations
  • Medical devices, ports and treatment areas
  • Gentle full-body and focused routines
  • Treatment records and aftercare
  • Professional boundaries and referral

Who Is the Cancer Massage Course For?

The course is suitable for qualified:

  • Massage therapists
  • Sports massage therapists
  • Complementary therapists with suitable massage training
  • Spa and wellbeing practitioners holding an eligible qualification
  • Practitioners seeking more inclusive massage skills

Students without an eligible Level 3 qualification should first complete the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Massage.

Qualified practitioners can also explore the school’s massage courses for qualified therapists.

Why Train in Oncology Massage?

The course helps therapists:

  • Welcome a wider range of clients
  • Adapt treatments confidently and compassionately
  • Provide supportive massage during or after cancer treatment
  • Improve consultation and communication skills
  • Create comfortable treatments for clients with reduced energy or mobility
  • Develop a more inclusive professional practice
  • Strengthen their advanced CPD portfolio

What You Will Learn on the Oncology Massage Course

The course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to provide safe, supportive and individually adapted Cancer Massage treatments.


Cancer Awareness and Treatment Considerations

Students learn:

  • Basic cancer terminology
  • Common types of cancer
  • Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy
  • Common physical and emotional treatment effects
  • How treatment history may influence massage
  • When additional information or clinical approval may be appropriate

Consultation and Compassionate Communication

Training covers:

  • Sensitive client consultation
  • Treatment history and medication
  • Surgery and lymph-node removal
  • Fatigue, pain and skin sensitivity
  • Medical devices, ports and lines
  • Consent, dignity and professional boundaries
  • Trauma-aware communication
  • Collaborative treatment planning

Adapted Oncology Massage Techniques

Students train in:

  • Gentle comfort-focused massage
  • Adapting pressure, pace and duration
  • Supportive positioning and bolstering
  • Supine, side-lying, seated and semi-reclined treatments
  • Working around scars and sensitive areas
  • Selecting comfortable treatment mediums
  • Full-body and focused treatment routines
  • Appropriate aftercare

Safe and Professional Practice

Students learn how to:

  • Recognise contraindications and precautions
  • Adapt around treatment sites and medical devices
  • Consider lymphoedema and fracture risk
  • Monitor comfort throughout treatment
  • Record treatment decisions clearly
  • Communicate with healthcare professionals where appropriate
  • Work confidently within professional scope

Entry Requirements for the Oncology Massage Course

Students should hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in:

  • Massage
  • Sports Massage
  • An accepted equivalent massage or bodywork discipline

The qualification should include Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.

Applicants must also:

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Attend both training days
  • Participate fully in practical training
  • Give and receive adapted massage techniques
  • Have suitable spoken and written English
  • Follow consent, hygiene and professional standards

Students without an eligible qualification may attend with prior approval but may receive a certificate of attendance rather than the accredited practitioner certificate.

Anyone unsure about eligibility should contact London School of Massage before booking.

Practical Participation

Students work as both therapist and model during the course.

Training includes gentle massage, supported positioning and practical adaptations. Techniques are adjusted to suit individual comfort, mobility and participation needs.



How Is the Oncology Massage Course Assessed?

There is no separate formal examination.

Assessment takes place throughout both training days through:

  • Tutor observation
  • Supervised practical work
  • Safe consultation and treatment planning
  • Appropriate pressure and positioning
  • Recognition of relevant precautions
  • Client communication and consent
  • Professional conduct
  • Completion of an adapted massage routine
  • Response to tutor feedback

Students receive practical correction and support throughout the course. 

Oncology Massage Certification and Accreditation

Successful students receive a London School of Massage Oncology / Cancer Massage CPD certificate.

The course is accredited by CMA, BCMA and IGCT and carries 14 CPD points. Further information is available on the Accreditations and Approvals page.

This is a specialist CPD course for practitioners who already hold an eligible professional qualification.

Students should obtain suitable professional therapist insurance before offering Oncology Massage commercially.

 

 

Offering Oncology Massage Professionally

Qualified therapists may integrate Oncology Massage into an existing insured massage, complementary therapy or wellbeing practice.

The training may support work in:

  • Private massage practices
  • Spas and wellness centres
  • Complementary therapy clinics
  • Supportive-care settings
  • Community and charity services
  • Mobile and home-based practices
  • Multidisciplinary wellbeing environments

Therapists may work independently or alongside established support services where suitable professional arrangements are in place. 

Positive Client-Focused Outcomes

Appropriately adapted Oncology Massage may support:

  • Relaxation and comfort
  • A calmer treatment experience
  • Temporary reduction in muscular tension
  • Emotional wellbeing
  • Positive and nurturing touch
  • Improved body awareness
  • Rest and general wellbeing
  • A greater sense of personal support

The emphasis is on comfort, individual choice and a treatment adapted to the client’s needs. 

Professional Benefits

The course can help therapists:

  • Work more confidently with clients affected by cancer
  • Provide more inclusive massage services
  • Adapt treatments during different stages of care
  • Improve consultation and communication
  • Build relationships with supportive-care organisations
  • Develop a specialist treatment area
  • Strengthen their professional CPD portfolio 

Further Training and Progression

Suitable complementary courses include:

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Oncology / Cancer Massage Course London

Who is the Oncology and Cancer Massage Course suitable for?

This course is designed for qualified massage therapists, Sports Massage Therapists and eligible bodywork practitioners who would like to work more safely, confidently and compassionately with clients affected by cancer.

Students should hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.

If you are unsure whether your qualification is suitable, you are very welcome to send London School of Massage a copy before booking.

No. This is a specialist CPD course that builds on existing massage skills, consultation knowledge and professional client care.

Students without an eligible Level 3 qualification may attend only with prior approval and may receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than the accredited practitioner certificate.

Students who are new to massage should first complete the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Massage.

You will learn how to adapt massage safely and sensitively for clients who are undergoing cancer treatment, living with cancer, in remission or receiving palliative care.

Training includes:

  • Cancer terminology and common treatments
  • Possible treatment side effects
  • Sensitive consultation and communication
  • Adapting pressure, pace and treatment length
  • Supportive positioning and bolstering
  • Working around scars, sensitive skin and treatment areas
  • Lymph-node removal and lymphoedema considerations
  • Medical devices, ports and lines
  • Contraindications, precautions and referral
  • Treatment planning, records and aftercare

The emphasis throughout the course is on comfort, dignity, informed choice and individually adapted care.

There is no separate written examination or external practical examination.

You will be assessed continuously throughout both training days through supervised practice, tutor observation and individual feedback.

To complete the course successfully, students must demonstrate safe consultation, appropriate treatment adaptation, suitable pressure and positioning, recognition of precautions, professional communication and compassionate client care.

No. London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches, bolsters and main classroom equipment used during training.

Students normally work in pairs and take turns acting as both therapist and model, so you do not need to bring a separate model.

All techniques are adapted to individual comfort, mobility and participation needs.

London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches and main classroom equipment used during training.

Students should bring:

  • Two bath-sheet-sized towels
  • Two hand towels
  • Antibacterial wipes
  • Flip-flops
  • One couch cover with a face hole or a king-size flat sheet

Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and take part in the practical sessions.

A full course-specific list, including any additional items required, will be provided after enrolment.

Students who plan to offer Oncology Massage professionally will also need access to a suitable massage couch, supportive positioning equipment, linens and appropriate treatment supplies.

 

Qualified therapists who successfully complete the course may integrate Oncology Massage into their existing massage, complementary therapy or wellbeing practice where this falls within their underlying qualification, competence and professional scope.

Before offering Oncology Massage commercially, you should confirm that it is covered by your insurer. Further information is available on the Therapists Insurance page.

Therapists who would like to continue developing relevant specialist skills may also consider the Scar Therapy Massage Course, Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage Course or Advanced Therapeutic Massage Diploma Course.

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