The Effect of Massage Therapy in Cancer Patients

Abstract

The increase in longevity and incidence of chronic diseases reveals an increased importance in terms of public health. The oncologic illness as such, it is a debilitating and progressive pathology with need for prevention and symptomatic relief. In order to respond to the question: “The effect of massage therapy on cancer patients?” We have done a review of empirical literature indexed in databases online, getting only 21 articles published since 1990 to 2015. It was possible to verify some of the effects of massage therapy, particularly in relieving pain, decreased anxiety, depression and nausea and increased well-being. Not found the effect of this intervention on the relief of suffering and the quality of life of patients. With the heterogeneity of methodologies, studies suggest the development of more homogeneous research, materials and methods to assess the effects of massage therapy in cancer patients