The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
Our Cancer Massage Therapy Course (Oncology Massage) is a specialised training for therapists who want to safely and compassionately support clients undergoing treatment, in remission, or in palliative care. This gentle, adaptive approach modifies traditional massage to prioritise client comfort, clinical safety, and emotional wellbeing—making it a valuable addition to professional massage courses and advanced practitioner training.
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be fully equipped to integrate Oncology / Cancer massage techniques into your existing massage practice.
To enrol on this Cancer Massage Therapy Course (Oncology Massage), learners must hold an OFQUAL-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage (or equivalent) that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please email us a copy of your qualifications for advice.
Cancer Massage Therapy, also known as Oncology Massage, is a specialist course designed to help massage therapists work safely, confidently and compassionately with clients who have a history of cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment. The course focuses on understanding cancer, recognising treatment side effects and adapting massage appropriately to support comfort, relaxation and wellbeing.
Students will learn how to modify pressure, positioning, treatment duration and massage approach according to the client’s health status, treatment history and individual needs. The course places a strong emphasis on safe practice, consultation, contraindications, precautions and working within professional boundaries.
There are no formal exams for this course.
In-class assessment and instructor feedback - ongoing evaluation of practical skills with real-time feedback to support learning and development. A CPD Certificate will be issued if the instructor believes the required competencies have been met.
Following completion of this Oncology / Cancer Massage course, students have been able to:
Open their own private practice, treating clients from home
Work in health clubs, hotels, or ski resorts abroad
Offer mobile massage treatments
Treat clients using Oncology / Cancer massage techniques and approach
Progress to further advanced massage training, such as:
Pursue degree-level studies in Osteopathy, Physiotherapy or Acupuncture
Supplement their full-time income with part-time massage work
Develop their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio
Join professional associations, increasing credibility and access to further resources.
Oncology Massage, also known as Cancer Massage Therapy, is a specialist form of massage that adapts pressure, positioning, treatment length and techniques for clients who are living with cancer, recovering from treatment or receiving palliative care. The focus is comfort, relaxation, safety and emotional wellbeing.
No. Oncology Massage uses a more cautious and adapted approach than regular massage. Therapists consider treatment history, surgery, lymph node removal, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medication, fatigue, skin sensitivity, medical devices and areas that should be avoided.
This course is suitable for qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and bodywork practitioners who want to work more safely and confidently with clients affected by cancer.
No. This is a specialist CPD course for qualified therapists. Students must hold an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma in Massage or equivalent, including Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
Learners must hold a recognised Level 3 Massage qualification or equivalent that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology. Students without this qualification may attend but will only receive a certificate of attendance.
You will learn cancer terminology, common cancer treatments, treatment side effects, safe consultation, contraindications, red flags, medical clearance, client positioning, pressure adaptation, treatment planning, documentation, aftercare and compassionate communication.
Yes. The course explains how massage may be adapted for clients undergoing treatment, in remission or receiving palliative care. Students learn when massage may be appropriate, when it should be modified and when treatment should be deferred or referred.
No. Oncology Massage does not treat cancer. It is a supportive therapy that may help with relaxation, comfort, stress, tension and general wellbeing when delivered safely by a trained therapist and adapted to the client’s medical situation.
The London School of Massage advises that clients obtain approval from their GP, doctor or oncology team before receiving an oncology massage, especially if they are undergoing treatment, have complex symptoms or are medically vulnerable.
The course covers red flags and precautions including fragile skin, infection risk, fever, unexplained pain, blood clot risk, lymphoedema risk, bone metastases, recent surgery, radiotherapy sites, medical devices, ports, lines and areas requiring medical clearance.
No. There are no formal written or practical exams. Students are assessed through in-class practical observation, supervised work and tutor feedback. A CPD certificate is issued when the required competencies have been met.
Yes. The course is accredited by CMA, BCMA and IGCT and provides 14 CPD points. Students should check with their insurer before practising Oncology Massage professionally.
Qualified therapists may integrate Oncology Massage techniques into their existing practice after completing the course, subject to appropriate insurance, professional scope of practice and safe clinical judgement.
Yes. Therapists should hold suitable professional insurance before offering Oncology Massage to clients. It is advisable to contact your insurer before booking or before adding Oncology Massage to your treatment list.
At London School of Massage, Oncology / Cancer Massage training is delivered as an intensive 2-day classroom-based CPD course.
The course is held in person at London School of Massage, King’s Cross / Caledonian Road, London.
The London School of Massage offers professional, practical and supportive oncology/cancer massage training in London.
This course is taught by experienced lecturers who have professional experience working with clients affected by cancer and within cancer care or supportive therapy settings. This helps students learn from tutors who understand the sensitivity, communication skills, adaptations and professional boundaries required when working with clients during or after cancer treatment.
FHT, CMA, BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
FHT, IGCT, CMA, BCMA & IICT Accredited Course
CMA, BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
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