Effects of Massage Therapy in Breast Cancer Survivors with Mastectomy: Systematic Review.

Abstract

Background: Mastectomy, a common treatment for breast cancer, often leads to complications such as pain, fibrosis, restricted mobility, lymphedema, reduced strength in the affected arm, and emotional distress. Non-pharmacological therapies, including massage therapy, offer a holistic approach to managing these symptoms. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of massage therapy on the symptomatology in women post-mastectomy for breast cancer.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, Dialnet, Science Direct, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies published in English or Spanish over the past 16 years. The search was conducted in March 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials, quasi-experimental studies, retrospective analyses, and secondary trial analyses involving women aged 45-64 who received massage therapy as a complementary treatment.

Results: Twenty-six studies involving 1522 participants were included. Interventions assessed were manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, foot massage, classical massage, and the Cyriax technique. The key findings demonstrated significant benefits, including improved range of motion, reduced arm circumference and lymphedema volume, enhanced quality of life, and increased relaxation.

Conclusions: According to the results of this systematic review, massage therapy interventions can have a positive impact on the symptomatology in women post-mastectomy for breast cancer and may represent a suitable complementary approach to post-mastectomy breast cancer treatment.