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The Experiences of Touch Therapies in Symptom Management of Rural and Regional Cancer Patients in Australia249.72 kB
Published VersionCC BY-NC-ND V3.0, Open Access
Journal article
The Experiences of Touch Therapies in Symptom Management of Rural and Regional Cancer Patients in Australia
International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, Vol.15(1), pp.66-71
2022
PMCID: PMC8887860
PMID: 35280240
Appears in Cancer Research Cluster Research Collection
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer patients are increasingly combining touch therapies (e.g., remedial massage, lymphatic massage, and/or reflexology) with conventional treatments to deal with the impact of their cancer and treatments on their physical and mental well-being. To understand the impact of integrative oncology services on cancer patients, it is essential to explore the impact that various types of integrative oncology services have on cancer patients.
Aims: This paper presents cancer patients’ experiences with touch therapies in a community-based cancer support center and to identify opportunities for better access to these practices and service provision in Australia.
Methods: A random selection of cancer patients (n=36) receiving touch therapies at a rural/regional community cancer center completed mixed-methods mail surveys regarding the use of touch therapies, their satisfaction, and the impact on pain, fatigue, nausea and overall well-being.
Results: Findings indicated that these services helped manage both physical and emotional symptoms. Of the participants experiencing pain and fatigue, findings revealed that touch therapies assisted with pain in 90% of participants and with fatigue in 70%.
Conclusion: Given the increased and continued use of touch therapies by individuals with cancer, cancer centers should consider establishing touch therapy services or provide referrals to touch therapy services that can assist with symptom management and improve quality care. By more clearly understanding the benefits of the different types of integrative oncology interventions, patients with cancer receive more tailored and effective interventions throughout of their cancer journey.
Details
- Title
- The Experiences of Touch Therapies in Symptom Management of Rural and Regional Cancer Patients in Australia
- Authors
- Tamara Cadet (Author) - University of PennsylvaniaCindy Davis (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyPatricia Wilson (Author) - Bloomhill Cancer CareJacinta Elks (Author) - Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service
- Publication details
- International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, Vol.15(1), pp.66-71
- Publisher
- Massage Therapy Foundation
- Date published
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.3822/ijtmb.v15i1.687
- ISSN
- 1916-257X
- PMID
- 35280240; PMC8887860
- Copyright note
- Copyright (c) 2022 Author(s). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 Unported License.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99620506802621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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