Refused a massage because I had cancer

[MinnieMountain]

I tried to book a massage at a new place yesterday but when I filled in their medical form and said I had cancer 8 years ago, they said they can't do it without a doctor's letter. Supposedly their insurance doesn't cover it as massage can cause any remaining cancer cells to grow again.

I'm astounded at their ignorance.

Has anyone else experienced this?

This is common. I have had it many times. Some places has people qualified to do massages post-cancer but many don't. It's a real pain as i love a good massage!!

I have been refused too, the spa's insurance would not cover them but it was cancer in the last 5 years.
As I had had lymph nodes removed I understood. They did give me a lovely facial instead and refunded my money.

OP shouldn't have to get a doctors letter for something based on a myth. Especially 8 years after having cancer.

Why not? It’s not an essential service and in any case no business is obliged to provide goods or services to someone.

They can put in whatever rules they want. Presumably the OP can just go elsewhere.

I just wouldn't mention it in the future if I was OP.

That’s fine - at least if something did go wrong (😑 know it’s a myth but I don’t get the issue with being ultra cautious) the shop wouldn’t be liable.

I don’t get why she can’t just go elsewhere

I don't think it is a myth that certain types of massage affect the lymph system.

It's a myth that massage causes cancer to spread around the body.

But they have a right to refuse

The issue is that it simply isn't true so it isn't being cautious, it's completely unnecessary. Cancer myths are bloody annoying and shouldn't be encouraged just to be 'ultra cautious' with absolutely no basis in fact.

I agree that OP should go somewhere else and as I said, I just wouldn't mention having had cancer at all.

Of course they do.

Just as OP has a right not to disclose that she had cancer 8 years ago.

But that is their choice as a business. Most businesses are risk averse. They weigh up the risks and have decided that’s it better to lose a couple of customers

What makes you so sure? What studies have you read that prove this?

Most businesses are risk averse but I can't think of many that base their choices on myths.

Science. Links have been provided on this thread.

Well known cancer charities also state that there is no evidence that massages spread cancer such as Macmillan and Cancer Research UK.

Of course, in OP's case, she has been cancer free for 8 years which makes it even more ridiculous.

'No evidence' can just mean that no targeted studies have ever been carried out.
It doesn't sound mad to me to consider it inadvisable to stimulate the lymph system, and rely on it to remove toxins, after certain lymph nodes have been removed or damage. Perhaps in OP's case there is no danger of that, in which case a letter from the doctor would sort it out.

as someone who has recently been through chemo, radiation, surgey, had lymph nodes removed and still on active treatment, I have had a lot of talk with my oncologists and specialist physiotherapists. Massages DO NOT spread and cause cancer. The risk is lymphedema. That's the concern.

It used to be thought it was the case but it was debunked as no evidence was ever found and we now know how the lymphatic system works better thanks to science.

During active treatment it is important to consider a number of things including radiation sites, blood/platelet counts and if the cancer has spread to the bone which is why someone trained in oncology to massage someone in active treatment is recommended as well as knowing about the risks of lymphedema. It has absolutely nothing to do with any risk of it spreading the cancer, none.

It doesn't even apply to someone who is not only in remission but has been NED for EIGHT years.

Identical experience here after mastectomy and lymph node removal and treatment. Oncologist referred me to a specialist physio for lymphoedema treatment but there were no other contra-indications. I asked specifically about any risks of spread and was told that there is absolutely no scientific evidence to support the myth that massage can spread cancer or ‘reactivate’ dormant cells.

My breast cancer surgeon and oncologist have read plenty. And they both assure me that it’s a myth.

My dd had lymphoma in remission for 9 years now she gets deep tissue massages, no one has refused her and no doctor has said don’t get a massage.

More nonsense. Once more for those at the back or hard of understanding. Stop spreading harmful rubbish. There is no scientific evidence to support massage causing the spread of cancer cells. It’s a myth that’s been debunked. The only reason it still holds weight with insurance companies is because of the very ‘ignorance’ you’re defending.

Ffs NO.
It can potentially cause or worsen lymphoedema

No. It's not that massage will as low cancer cells to grow , it's because lymph nodes can be involved and massage can either help or hinder so they need medical permission

There are times when I wish that I was hard of understanding and experience. Sadly not.
There is no research based evidence that massage spreads cancer, so you are correct in that respect.
However, massage does require special adaptation for cancer, which may not be the remit of all practitioners and hence may influence insurance companies. We strongly advise our therapists to avoid areas of active cancer.