Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM)

11/06/2025

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/health/breast-cancer-radiation.html?unlocked_article_code=1.zE8.BVbf._dP75sgw4hh1&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Doctors have already begun reducing radiation treatment for women at low risk of recurrence or spread of the disease. A new study finds that some women at greater risk can safely avoid radiation.

11/04/2025

Healwell has partnered with Mayo Clinic Florida on an important research study exploring how a family caregiver massage program may help relieve symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) — and they’re looking for participants!

🧠 What’s involved:
• A 12-week online study — you don’t need to live near Mayo Clinic
• Pairs participate together (a person with CIPN + a loved one or caregiver)
• Weekly check-ins and symptom surveys
• Participants are compensated for their time

✅ To qualify:
• Age 18+
• Completed certain chemotherapy treatments at least 6 months ago
• Experiencing moderate to severe numbness, tingling, or discomfort in hands or feet

This is an incredible opportunity to support meaningful research and learn safe, supportive touch techniques that may help ease symptoms at home.

📎 Here’s the flier with contact info and more details:
👉https://collinge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MayoClinicCIPNstudy.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawN2aaxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDUE05QTFvYmk2SVJ3UlhNAR5xyEWRl7BCRNkTRY6iCr3pIHK1J-FFDtMeP8sThFZ3X1S0peKnn0zg6TdNMw_aem_LFaTEFPY47YHPLwQN9pkGg

10/28/2025

🎓 Advance Your Career with Oncology-Focused Training
Are you a licensed massage therapist or esthetician looking to grow your skill set and serve clients living with or beyond cancer treatment? Then this foundational program is for you.

📘 Course: Oncology Massage & Skin Care – 32 CE Hours
📍 Provider: Greet The Day — Massage & Facial Treatments for Clients with Cancer
📖 What you’ll learn:
Clinical considerations for safe massage & esthetic services for clients in active treatment, recovery, or survivorship.

How to tailor your touch: modifying positioning, pressure and technique around surgical sites, medical devices and treatment side-effects.

Skin, hair and nail changes due to treatments — and how to safely and effectively choose products and protocols for that client population.

Real-world practice: live hands-on work with models, supervised practicum in both online & in-person formats.

💡 Why this matters:
With an ever-growing population of clients navigating the effects of cancer treatment, the ability to provide informed, safe, and sensitive care isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a professional differentiator and a service many clients are seeking.

✅ Open To: Licensed massage therapists, estheticians, RN/Nurse aides, allied health professionals (or by special permission).

📅 Formats: Live online + in-person sessions in various locations + full-practice hands-on.

🔗 Enroll Today: [https://greettheday.org/oncology-massage-oncology-skin-care/

10/26/2025

🎓 New Course Alert for Massage Therapists!

Ready to expand your expertise in oncology massage? Join this foundational class on Gentle Touch for Individuals Living with Cancer (WED 220) — the perfect building block for offering safe, compassionate sessions to clients with a cancer history or current diagnosis.

📅 When: October 29 – December 7, 2025
📍 Where: Virtual + two in-person days at Phoenix College (3144 N 7th Ave., Phoenix) on December 6–7, 9 AM–4 PM each day.

🎟 What you’ll gain:
An overview of cancer and its major treatments – what massage therapists need to know

Clinical considerations & hands-on adjustments for working safely with this population

Practice guidelines, intake/treatment planning, documentation strategies

Hands-on practical lab during the in-person segment

🔍 Prerequisite: Previous experience in Swedish massage and draping required.

💡 Why it matters: As more clients seek massage support during or after treatment, your specialized training isn’t just an add-on — it’s essential. By stepping into this niche, you deepen your skill set and expand your ability to serve with confidence.

✅ Spots are limited (5 seat open) — secure yours today and start offering truly informed care for clients living with or beyond cancer.

📝 To register, contact the instructor Nicole Albert

10/13/2025

We’ve got exciting news! From October 14–20, our Tru Earth fundraiser will earn 30% on every sale made through our fundraising link. That means every eco-friendly purchase helps us even more!

🛍️ Whether you’re restocking or trying Tru Earth for the first time, this is the week to do it. Every order supports our cause and helps us reach our goals faster.

📣 Want to help even more? Share our fundraising link with friends, family, and on social media. The more people who shop, the bigger the impact!

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference!

🔗 Fundraising link: https://tru-earth.sjv.io/s4om

Thank you for being part of the movement!

10/10/2025

🌍 Join Forces for a Greener Tomorrow with Tru Earth + S4OM | S4OE! 🌱

Tru Earth and S4OM | S4OE are teaming up to make sustainable living more accessible—and every purchase helps fund our mission! When you shop Tru Earth’s eco-friendly products through our exclusive fundraising link, a portion of every sale goes directly to S4OM, supporting organic initiatives, education, and community impact.

✨ Why Tru Earth?
Ultra-concentrated, plastic-free laundry strips
Eco-friendly household essentials
Vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable
Compact, lightweight, and zero waste

💚 Why It Matters Your support helps S4OM | S4OE promote organic practices, empower local growers, and educate communities about sustainable living. It’s a win for your home, your planet, and your values.

🛒 Shop Smart. Live Green. Give Back. Every purchase makes a difference. Let’s clean up the planet—one load of laundry at a time.

🔗 Fundraising link: https://tru-earth.sjv.io/s4om

09/21/2025

Exciting news! The Massage Therapy Foundation has awarded a $299,465 research grant to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a 3-year study investigating the effects of abdominal myofascial release (MFR) in adolescents with constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C). The project will pair this gentle massage-based intervention with a wireless patch system to measure gut activity in real time, along with tracking quality of life and symptom relief.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Massage Therapy Foundation Awards $299,465 Research Grant to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Evanston, Ill. – September 18, 2025 – The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) announces the award of a research grant to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The grant ...

09/18/2025

It’s the kind of breakthrough that only happens once in several generations. Read about the new leukemia treatment researchers studied — one that will change the standard of care and even allow some kids to surf down sand dunes while receiving care.

https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/21/childrens-hospital-colorado-leukemia-research-cancer-treatment/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMABhZGlkAasY34kgKhoBHeykesBxbUiWvCkd5hOxO8IJaCPznjR1I7z7vqxid4E5n0r27ma3DHjvmw_aem_vGXWKs6VMqx91uNVCyIUzw

Colorado physicians helped research a new treatment protocol for the most common form of childhood cancer that has “instantly” changed how doctors treat pediatric leukemia.

09/15/2025

📣 Save the Date: S4OM 2026 Virtual Summit
🗓 Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 💻 Virtual

A full day of evidence-informed learning, practice updates, and community for professionals supporting people affected by cancer. Agenda, speakers, and registration drop soon—mark your calendar now!

09/14/2025

Upcoming Foundational Oncology Massage Class

Updated provider information

Registration 🔗 in bio

09/11/2025

We love hearing about the work and training happening in the field of oncology and hospital-based massage. Consider sharing your pictures and stories to inspire others.

It's not every day that you find 3 hospital MTs all in the same place at the same time ❤️ Yukari was shadowing Noriko for orientation in the Heart Touch pediatric comfort touch program at the UCLA NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), and Yuki was onsite for her Greet The Day infusion center massage rotation at the UCLA Bowyer Oncology Center, Los Angeles.

For more information about these programs visit:
https://greettheday.org/hospital-based-massage
https://www.hearttouch.org/children-program

09/11/2025

When do you use ice in a session?

Research is showing Inflammation is absolutely necessary for healing. If you stop or limit it-you will impede the natural healing process of your body.

https://training-conditioning.com/article/warming-up-to-therapy-options-other-than-ice/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR17OV4LAI-uoVmk0rAqa1ZFHX99l81-50fQZNkYqaNsmg8miKk6Fo7fw7M_aem_lPc5btqix9ySTOpwAsg90Q

When tissue is damaged, the immune system initiates an inflammatory response, which heal damaged tissue and repair muscles — unlike ice.