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 (sometimes called cancer massage) is a specialist form of massage therapy that adapts techniques to safely support people living with cancer, in treatment, or in recovery. A properly trained oncology massage therapist modifies pressure, positioning, session length and areas treated based on factors like surgery sites, lymph node removal, chemotherapy/radiotherapy side effects, fatigue, pain, skin sensitivity and medical devices, so the treatment remains comfortable, safe and supportive.
Not exactly. While it can feel relaxing like a “regular” massage, oncology massage is specifically adapted for cancer-related considerations. That means more detailed consultation and careful adjustments. For example, using lighter pressure, avoiding certain areas, different positioning, and extra caution with swelling/lymphatic risk, bruising, fragile skin or low immunity.
Oncology massage is most often used to support comfort and quality of life. Benefits include:
At the London School of Massage, Oncology/Cancer Massage training is delivered as a fast-track, intensive 2-day course.
There isn’t a single UK-wide “oncology massage licence” for practitioners, but you typically need:
People with a current or past cancer diagnosis can often receive an oncology massage, as long as the treatment is adapted to their individual medical situation and delivered by a properly trained oncology massage therapist.
The London School of Massage advises clients to obtain medical approval from their GP/Doctor beforehand.
FHT, CMA, BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
FHT, IGCT, CMA, BCMA & IICT Accredited Course
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