There has been a myth that massage can spread cancer by increasing circulation and lymphatic flow. However, current research and understanding of cancer biology show that there is no actual evidence to support this.

A gentle massage will not cause or accelerate metastasis.

That being said, there are still precautions to take when considering massage therapy if you have cancer. The therapist must avoid areas where there are tumours, be aware of and work with the lymphatic system, and understand the emotional toll diagnosis and treatment takes on all areas of your life.

These are all things that I am experienced in and will be covered in our initial consultation, and after you have been cleared for massage by your healthcare team.

Massage is ideal to have before radiotherapy for breast cancer to help with flexibility in the shoulder area and mastectomy/axilla scar in order to reach and maintain the position needed for treatment. The massage will be done using a gentle base oil without essential oils.

During radiotherapy, the skin in the treatment area might be more sensitive or prone to irritation, and the pressure applied during a massage could cause discomfort or exacerbate these issues. For this reason, during radiotherapy you can have massage to the hands and head, legs and feet if you are in need of relaxation, or experiencing anxiety but the treatment will avoid the area receiving radiotherapy as the tissues may be feeling too delicate.

The appropriate time to receive a massage after completing radiotherapy may vary depending on factors such as the specific treatment plan, individual healing processes, and any side effects or complications experienced. Generally, you should wait at least 6 - 8 weeks after finishing radiotherapy before receiving a massage to allow your skin and tissues time to heal. In some cases, it might be necessary to wait longer. The massage will be very gentle on the area that has received radiotherapy, using manual lymphatic drainage techniques to help support compromised lymph nodes.

Everybody reacts differently to chemotherapy, so it depends on how much energy you have and how you are responding to the treatment, for example skin sensitivity, bruising, or low blood platelet counts, which could be exacerbated by massage. I would advise that you ask your health care advisor for permission based on your unique situation. You can be assured that I will be very sensitive to port/pic lines - the area around intravenous catheters (such as central lines) and pain relief patches as well infection control.

In low concentrations (0.5%) with moisturising base oils, essential oils are wonderful for helping with cancer side effects. Essential oils are never applied to the skin neat in their concentrated form to avoid irritation to sensitive skin.

I will help you create a unique blend for our session and talk you through the benefits of each oil.

Essential oils are not used during radiotherapy as they may exacerbate skin sensitivity during treatment.

Usually 8 weeks is the about the right time to start with very gentle massage around and on the scar. This can vary depending on your healing. For example if you have had any infection or seroma, also if there are clips or mesh still in place.

Old scars can be significantly improved by scar massage. I have massaged scars that are 10 and 15 years old that have been stuck and still causing pain and during the course of our sessions the scars have softened and improved dramatically.

In-person massage treatments:
Thursdays and Fridays between 10am - 4pm

Online self scar care consultations:
I predominantly offer sessions on Wednesdays between 10am - 8pm. However, as sessions are online I can be flexible to your needs and am happy to speak at other times.

Please feel free to email me on rosiemayhew@gmail.com or call/message me on 07725 237109 with your request for an alternative day and time and I’ll do my best to accommodate you.

Massage treatments take place at the Body Junction Clinic in Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex.

Scar care consultations take place online via Zoom. You will receive a link to our meeting in your booking confirmation email.

You do not need to do anything to prepare specifically. I recommend wearing comfortable clothing and finding a nice quiet space where you can relax and be uninterrupted.

We will not be using oils in the session - it is more of a learning session than a practical session so you do not need to bring anything other than yourself.

In person massages:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
You will stay clothed if you are solely receiving manual lymphatic drainage massage.
For massages which include aromatherapy you will remove some or all clothing (except underwear) as the massage and essential oils are in direct contact with the skin. You will be covered with towels except the area being worked on at the time.

Online scar care consultations:
Wear comfortable clothing or a robe, in which you can easily access your scars. You may need to remove some clothing and we will discuss according to your particular requirements.

Rest and drink plenty of water. During a massage, the manipulation of muscles and soft tissues may help release metabolic waste products that have accumulated in your body. Drinking water after a massage aids in flushing these waste products from your system, promoting detoxification.

Massage also stimulates the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in fluid balance and immune function. Drinking water post-massage can help support the lymphatic system's ability to remove waste and maintain proper fluid balance within the body, contributing to overall health and well-being.

In-person treatments:

Massage: £55 for 1 hour

Manual lymphatic drainage: £30 for 1 hour

Online scar care consultations:

£55 for 1 hour initial session

£25 for all half hour follow up sessions

(Please see my Scar Care Consultations page for more information).

In-person treatments:

I accept payments by debit/credit card through a secure online booking link I can send you. You may also use PayPal or make a direct bank transfer in advance of your treatment. My payment details will be included in your confirmation email.

Online scar care consultations:

Payment is taken online at the time of booking, via debit/credit card or PayPal.

Yes, it is a wonderful opportunity to offer a self-care gift to a loved one. Please send me an email or fill out the form on my Booking page

Yes. I offer a relaxing full body Swedish aromatherapy massage. Please just note your reason for requesting a massage in the form or your email when booking.