Diploma in Oncology Massage

Course Aims:

Aimed at qualified Massage Therapists who want to fulfil insurance requirements and provide treatments to those affected by cancer.

This professionally accredited course is specially designed to give spa therapists, beauty practitioners and healthcare workers the understanding, knowledge and confidence to provide safe massage treatments to people going through the different stages of cancer, without always requiring medical consent.

Providing effective treatments to help with the physical and psychological side effects of cancer treatments such as pain relief, anxiety and insomnia letting the power of touch bring harmony and wellbeing.

Target Audience: Qualified Level 3 or Equivalent Massage Therapists

Date & Time:

DAY 1 – Wednesday 16^th April 2025 (09.30 -16.30)
DAY 2 – Wednesday 23^rd April 2025 (09.30 – 16.30)

Duration: Two full days over two weeks, Plus the opportunity to complete your case studies at our hospice over 4 weeks.

Course Content:

• The Biology of Cancer – an understanding of what cancer is, how it grows and develops and how cancer is categorised.
• How cancer is treated – we look closely at chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy amongst other common treatments, considering the ongoing development of new treatments as well.
• Side effects – long and short-term effects of the treatments above, and the considerations a therapist needs to understand.
• Lymphoedema – a knowledge of and an understanding of the development of this common side effect, associated with cancer treatment.
• Product Ingredients – what should be avoided during cancer treatment and what recommended and appropriate massage mediums and skincare are advised.
• Consultation/Communication Techniques – how to gain the information you need to perform the treatment safely.
• Adaptations/Cautions – Identify conditions that may prevent or require changes to a treatment.
• Light Touch Massage Techniques – the importance of using light touch techniques includes a full body and scalp massage as well as areas to focus on or avoid.
• Aftercare Advice – Recommendations to ensure your clients get the best out of the treatments and what to do in between treatments.

Number of Places Available: 10

Cost: £300

For more information/ to book: call 0151 334 2778 and ask for learning and development or email education@wirralhospice.org

Venue & Location:

Taught sessions will take place at Wirral Hospice St. Johns with the option of a placement for case studies.
Wirral Hospice St John’s, Mount Road, Higher Bebington, Wirral, CH63 6JE – we are on the Clatterbridge Health Park site.

Why do I need an oncology qualification?

When a person is diagnosed with cancer it affects them both physically and psychologically, the treatments they go through can be very damaging to the body leaving it tender and sensitive.

These patients/clients would not usually be allowed to access massage treatments if the therapist has not done oncology training as therapists are not otherwise covered under their normal insurance.

Completing training in oncology massage allows the therapist to use a light touch therapy method to provide a safe, relaxing and beneficial treatment for them without causing further damage.

Are your courses accredited?

Yes, our courses are accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists so you should have no problem adding them to your insurance.

Do I need anything to attend the course?

You will need to provide certificate evidence of your level 3 massage therapist or equivalent qualification, a copy of your liability insurance, please ensure this covers you for case studies. It is also preferred that you have at least 6 months experience as a massage therapist.

What do I need to do to pass the course?

You will need to attend two full days training at the hospice, where you will complete written questions and a practical assessment on each other before completing 2 case studies on people that have or have had cancer. We can provide practical case studies here at the hospice for you to gain vital in-house experience. If you decide to complete your case studies at the hospice you will also need to agree to a DBS check and some online training.

What support is there to complete case studies?

Learners are required to complete two case studies. These are carried out independently or within the hospice. Models for these case studies must have been diagnosed with cancer at some point. They do not have to be in treatment for cancer, but learners are able to work with a client who is actively in treatment when they have reached this stage. We are here to help give you all the support you need to gain your specialist qualification.

To help support you in completing the case studies we are offering the opportunity to work with some of our patients and carers here at the hospice.

 What if I want to complete both the massage and reflexology qualifications?

Please let us know if you are interested in completing both qualifications as some content is the same for both courses and we may be able to offer a combined course at a discounted rate. Please ask for further details.

FAQ’S