Massage therapy in cancer care: an overview of the past, present, and future.

Despite a plethora of research using various touch-based therapies on people in treatment or recovery from cancer, as well as at the end of life, there are still some misconceptions about massage in the minds of oncology providers, touch therapists, and patients. A number of influences have contributed to the confusion about massage in cancer care: (1) the past myth and misconception that massage could cause metastasis; (2) mixed perceptions about massage; (3) a lack of cancer-related training in general massage education. The goal of this commentary is to speak to past and present influences within the massage profession that impact its role in cancer care. Understanding these forces may provide clarity to other health care practitioners of the present limitations within the massage field as well as the immense potential for the future.