Danielle Rutten

Oncology Massage Training (OMT) is an internationally recognised not-for-profit training charity. Our mission is to improve quality of life for people with a diagnosis or history of cancer by facilitating their access to safe, effective massage therapy, provided by oncology massage therapists who have had high quality, standardised training.

We are currently embarking upon a project to complete Australian-first, evidence-based research, and to do so, we desperately need assistance with funding. A Certificate IV/Diploma Program in oncology massage has been developed and government-approved, and will be brought to life with this vital research. This is essential in our aim to regulate training and increase the availability of oncology massage, particularly in major hospitals and cancer centres.

OMT is grounded in a philosophy of continual improvement. Our training and work is based on medical research from the USA, UK and Europe. This research shows that oncology massage improves quality of life by reducing the side effects from conventional treatment of cancer and the symptoms of the disease process itself. This includes, but is not limited to, improvements in pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea and depression, some by over 50%.

"WOW. I have a full massage at a day spa every month and now I realise I have been having a cosmetic massage. This massage today was healing, I felt as though my cells were being moved around and I could feel positive energy from the therapist. She seemed to have four hands [and] at no time was my contact with her left disconnected. Absolutely amazing experience."
- Mike (Volunteer), VIC, February 2013

"The massage was gentle yet effective and a wonderful experience. Since my cancer diagnosis I haven't felt comfortable about my body and having a massage."
- Janet (Volunteer), NSW, May 2012

"Massage was extremely helpful in loosening tight tissue. I now acknowledge I need much more work to loosen post surgery adhesions. The whole experience was extremely beneficial physically/mentally."
- Anonymous (Volunteer), VIC, August 2014

All funds raised will be used for research purposes. At present, OMT’s only source of income is course fees (paid by massage therapists or their employers) and these fees cover course costs, administration and minimal advertising. This does not leave any funds for research to be undertaken, which is fundamental in our endeavour to integrate and immerse oncology massage into the medical model.

OMT will collaborate with the University of Western Sydney, faculty of the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM), on this research project. The minimum amount we need to go ahead with the research is $10K, but to cover all expenses we need $15K. All of the funds will go towards completing the following:

1. A survey of the current level of massage provision in key organisational settings including hospices, hospitals, cancer support centres and voluntary sector projects. 2. Twenty interviews with people at all different stages of their cancer diagnosis about their experiences, preferences and barriers in accessing complementary therapies, especially massage.

This model is based on a scoping study completed by the IRIS Cancer Partnership in Scotland in 2014, which proved there was an overwhelming demand for this particular type of massage.

In addition to a lack of funding, OMT faces a range of obstacles. In particular, there is a serious lack of understanding and awareness around oncology massage within the general population as well as the medical community. We are dedicated to changing this fact so that more people can benefit from this specialised service.

"This program exceeded my expectations and gave me value beyond Oncology Massage. The combination of science and heart drew everything together well. This was enhanced by having three amazing facilitators/presenters. I feel so proud and happy to know there are amazing people in the industry making such a profound difference in healthcare."
- Nicole (Student), VIC, April 2014