A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Focused Massage on Pain, Mobility, and Quality of Life During Radiation Treatment for Patients With Breast Cancer

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Focused Massage on Pain, Mobility, and Quality of Life During Radiation Treatment for Patients With Breast Cancer

The goal of this interventional study is to to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a focused upper body massage when offered after radiation treatments to participants diagnosed with breast cancer. Given the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints during radiation therapy delivery and acknowledging the emotional stress associated with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, the aims of this pilot study are to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of a focused upper body massage, available after radiation treatments, on patient's muscle and joint achiness and disability/symptoms of the upper extremities; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of a focused chair massage, available after radiation treatments on health-related quality of life; 3) assess the need for repeating the pre-radiation simulation process and revising the established treatment plan; and 4) and evaluate patient acceptability of the massages offered during the course of radiation treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age or older
2. Diagnosis of breast cancer
3. Treatment plan for curative intent radiation at SSBC
4. Radiation treatment frequency can be daily, every other day, and twice weekly
5. Agreeable to and available for focused chair massages post-radiation treatments during the prescribed treatment period

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with recurrent disease (breast cancer)
2. Patients treated palliatively with radiation treatments
3. Inability to read and/or understand English (consent and questionnaires in English)
4. Patients with documented cognitive disorder that limits the ability to independently read, understand, and/or complete the survey measures; i.e. dementia, Alzheimer's
5. Patients with major psychiatric disorders not controlled by medication or other psychiatric treatments