✨Myth 8: Reflexology Isn’t Safe for People with Cancer

Tanya
Aug 24
2 min read

❌ The Myth

Many people believe reflexology isn’t safe for those with cancer. Some even worry that massage or touch-based therapies could “spread” cancer or interfere with treatment.

✅ The Reality

Reflexology is not only safe when delivered by a trained professional, it is widely offered in major healthcare centres, including The Christie Hospital in Manchester. Far from being harmful, reflexology is used to ease side effects, promote relaxation, and improve quality of life during cancer treatment.

It is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that works alongside medical treatment, never in place of it.

🌿 What the Research Shows

1. Fatigue, Sleep, Pain & Quality of Life

A 2018 study on women undergoing radiotherapy for advanced breast cancer compared reflexology to standard care. Results showed reflexology:

Prevented a decline in overall quality of life
Significantly improved fatigue levels
Supported better sleep quality
Showed encouraging improvements in pain management

Reference: Tarrasch R. et al. (2018). The Effect of Reflexology on the Pain-Insomnia-Fatigue Disturbance Cluster of Breast Cancer Patients During Adjuvant Radiation Therapy. J Altern Complement Med, 24(1), 62–68.

2. Patient Experiences in Hospice Care

A qualitative audit of a hospice-based reflexology service found patients overwhelmingly valued their sessions. They reported:

Deep relaxation
Relief from tension and anxiety
Feelings of comfort
Improved emotional wellbeing

Reference: Gambles M., Crooke M., & Wilkinson S. (2002). Evaluation of a hospice based reflexology service: a qualitative audit of patient perceptions. Eur J Oncol Nurs, 6(1), 37–44.

3. Supporting Young Cancer Patients

At the Pediatric Cancer Center in Barcelona, complementary therapies such as reflexology were integrated into care. A 2025 study found these therapies played a valuable role in supporting young patients, suggesting more hospitals should adopt similar holistic approaches.

Reference: Martínez García E. et al. (2025). Patient Acceptability of the First Integrative Pediatric Oncology Unit in Spain. Cancers (Basel), 17(2), 222.

🌿 Why It Matters

Cancer treatment can bring difficult side effects like pain, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety. Reflexology doesn’t replace medical treatment, but it can:

✨ Reduce discomfort

✨ Improve sleep and energy

✨ Provide calm and relaxation

✨ Support emotional wellbeing

✨ Provide a safe space to get some respite from medical interventions

And it’s not just for patients – reflexology can also help family members and carers manage their own stress and exhaustion.

🌿 Choosing a Reflexologist

If you or someone you love is undergoing treatment, it’s important to work with a reflexologist trained in adaptive reflexology for cancer and palliative care. This ensures treatments are safe, gentle, and tailored to individual needs.