No massage during radiation?
Meet the Experts
Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D. is an associate professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Cohen is conducting a number of studies to find out how complementary techniques such as meditation, stress management, emotional writing, yoga, and music therapy might be able to improve patients' quality of life during cancer treatment.
Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon with a focus in breast cancer care and the CEO and medical director of the Comprehensive Breast Care Institute at DSI of Bucks County, PA.
Question from Moreca: Why would I not be able to receive massage therapy while I'm doing radiation treatments? Is it a problem for me, or is there some risk for the therapist?
- Answers —Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D: There's no reason why a woman with breast cancer receiving radiation couldn't receive massage concurrently.
- Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: I agree. I don't think there's a contraindication either.
- Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D: The massage therapist needs to be aware of the diagnosis of cancer and they need to be appropriately trained to work with people with cancer. But that is a general rule of thumb that one should follow when you are undergoing radiation treatment. There is no contraindication for the massage therapist.
On Wednesday, March 21, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Complementary Medicine Techniques. Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about different types of complementary techniques and how they can help during and after breast cancer treatment.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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