In 2009, a randomized controlled trial delved into the potential benefits of classical massage therapy for alleviating symptoms and enhancing mood among women grappling with breast cancer. Led by Miriam Listing and her team, the study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bi-weekly 30-minute classical massages targeting the back and head-neck areas over a 5-week period.

In this trial, women diagnosed with primary breast cancer were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving massages or a control group receiving standard care only. To gauge the effectiveness of the treatment, participants completed validated questionnaires at three intervals: baseline (T1), the conclusion of the intervention (T2), and an 11-week follow-up (T3). These questionnaires included assessments such as the Short Form-8 Health Survey, the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire breast module (EORTC QLQ-BR23), the Giessen Complaints Inventory (GBB), and the Berlin Mood Questionnaire (BSF).

The findings, based on 86 enrolled women with an average age of 59 years, revealed promising outcomes. The intervention group exhibited significantly greater reductions in physical discomfort compared to the control group at both T2 (p=0.001) and T3 (p=0.038). Moreover, a notable decrease in fatigue was observed among participants receiving massage therapy.

Notably, women in the intervention group reported significantly lower mood disturbances at T2 (p<0.01), although this effect was not sustained at T3. Intriguingly, the impact of massage therapy on mood disturbances was found to be more pronounced when patients received continuous treatment from the same masseur.

In conclusion, classical massage therapy emerges as a potentially valuable adjunctive treatment for alleviating physical discomfort and fatigue, as well as improving mood disturbances in women with early-stage breast cancer. These findings underscore the importance of exploring complementary therapies alongside conventional medical care to enhance the overall well-being of breast cancer patients.

Reference: Listing, M., Reißhauer, A., Krohn, M., Voigt, B., Tjahono, G., Becker, J., & Rauchfuß, M. (2009). Massage therapy reduces physical discomfort and improves mood disturbances in women with breast cancer. Psycho‐Oncology: Journal of the Psychological, Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Cancer, 18(12), 1290-1299.