Massage on the prevention of breast cancer through stress reduction and enhancing immune system

Breast Dis. 2024;43(1):119-126. doi: 10.3233/BD-249009.

Abstract

Introduction: Housewives are a population at high risk of breast cancer due to repeated or chronic exposure to stress. Prevention in a simple yet evidence-based manner is needed.

Methods: This study is a narrative review of the potential of massage as breast cancer prevention through stress and immune system mechanisms.

Results: Massage is able to prevent chronic stress through improved sleep and fatigue and lower stress levels. Prevention of chronic stress will maximize the function of cells that eliminate cancer cells, such as B cells, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, and improve the balance of Foxp3 Tregulator cells. Partnered delivery massage will bring effective benefits for stress reduction.

Conclusions: Massage can provide indirect prevention of breast cancer, and partnered delivery massage can be a good choice to reduce stress.

Keywords: Massage; breast; cancer; immune; stress.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Massage* / methods
  • Stress, Psychological* / immunology
  • Stress, Psychological* / prevention & control