Summary Of Metastasis Risk 
In summary, it can be seen that the highest risk correlation probably occurs with firm direct contact or other strong stimuli applied on or near a tumor, with greatest concern arising if the tumor is close to the skin surface. This risk is greatly offset by the likelihood that should cells be released by such means, their odds of survival are still extremely slim.
 
Try to obtain as much information as possible about the location of known tumors, and avoid deep pressure and other intense local modalities. In the most conservative view, accessible predicted metastasis sites also could be approached with caution.
Fears about the risks from increased circulation of blood and lymph are probably unfounded. In fact, the effects of massage therapy may well mitigate against the survival of cancer cells moving in these media.
 
Because absolute statements cannot be made based on the information currently available, the massage therapist, the physician, and the client need to contemplate the risks in each case. The cancer type and progression, the client's degree of immune system function, medical treatments in progress, remission period or cancer-free time frame, possible massage treatment related risks, and the client's attitude and beliefs about the purpose of massage therapy in the treatment program should all be taken into consideration. As benefits are weighed against possible risks, the right to informed consent to treatment rests with the person with cancer. 

The article above was excerpted from Massage Therapy & Cancer, a text published in 1999 by Curties-Overzet Publications (1-888-649-5411). Debra Curties, RMT, a massage therapist since 1984, has been an instructor at Sutherland-Chan School & Teaching Clinic in Toronto since 1985. Her main instructional subject area is Pathology & Clinical Theory. Curties is also executive director and one of the owners of Sutherland-Chan. In addition, she has been actively involved in the massage therapy profession as a volunteer. Among her numerous roles and projects, she served as American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Council of Schools president from 1995-1997. Curties is the 1998 recipient of the Ontario Massage Therapist Association's Meritorious Service award, and the 2000 recipient of the AMTA COS Meritorious Service award. She is also the author of Breast Massage.

References

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4. Netland, P. and B. Zetter.
    

5. Netland, P. and B. Zetter. 
    

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9. Tope, D. M., D. M. Hahn, and B. Pinkson. Massage Therapy: An Old Intervention Comes Of Age, Internet Source: Oncolink, 1994.
    

10. Netland P. and B. Zetter. 
     

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12. The Biology Of Cancer, notes from Spring, 1995 Biology of Cancer class at Berkeley, Internet Source: Oncolink.