According to the American Cancer Society’s recent publication,” Cancer Facts and Figures for 2023”
more than 18 million Americans that have had a history of invasive cancer and in 2023, it is estimated
that approximately 1.9 million new cases will be diagnosed this year. Of those with cancer, an estimated
609,820 deaths are expected in 2023. The good news in these numbers exists in the survival rates or life
expectancy of 5 years or more compared to the general population. That has significantly increased
since the early 1960s from 27-32% up to 64-69% among differing populations.

We have come a long way in the treatment of the disease, as well as incorporating complementary
medicine into the mix to create better outcomes for survivors. Massage therapy, acupuncture,
meditation, exercise, and nutrition have all contributed to enhancing cancer survivors’ life expectancy
and their overall health.

One of the biggest challenges for the massage therapy profession is to dispel the big myth that massage
spreads cancer cells. The fact is that with the mechanical manipulation of tissues, there is no compelling
evidence in studies that test metastases after receiving massage, specifically manual lymphatic drainage,
that there was no increase in tumor cells in the blood.

In manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), the light pressure opens lymphatic valves to stimulate the flow of
lymphatic fluid to help those with post-surgical edema (swelling) and lymphedema (protein-based
swelling) that can occur after cancer treatment. It does not manipulate muscles as in the traditional
Swedish massage, but encourages drainage of fluid through a lighter, methodical touch that seeks to
clear clogged lymph nodes (immune system) and facilitates removal of cellular debris and fluid via the
kidneys and liver.

One’s initial assumption would be that freed-up tumor or cancer cells would float to other cells in the
body via the circulatory system. The truth is that those cells would not be viable by themselves and
would get caught up in the small lymph vessels and capillaries and would offer no survival advantage to
the cancer cells. Other functional benefits like tissue circulation and oxygenation can help with the
anticancer treatment while improvements in drainage to stimulate the immune response would be
beneficial in fighting the cancer cells and improve overall health during a stressful time that can tax the
immune system.

MLD is considered “neutral” regarding cancer reoccurrence and metastasis, which is normally governed
by biological nature of cancer cells rather than a passive mechanism such as massage. If that were the
case, then clinicians would be reluctant to recommend exercise.

Massage and MLD are great to receive whether you are dealing with a cancer diagnosis or for optimizing
overall wellness. MLD can facilitate a healthy immune response when you are around other people who
are sick or when you are under a lot of stress. Seek out professionals who are certified in MLD and give
it a try. The facts will set your mind and body free.

By Sandy Saldano, LMT, CLDT – Therapeutic Kneads, Ltd.