“I’m so sorry to tell you this, but it’s true, you have breast cancer.”
That’s when Caitlin began to cry. “I don’t remember much after that,” she admitted later. The voicemail from her doctor couldn’t be right. But it was—and her father had confirmed it. Several surgeries and two rounds of chemotherapy later, Caitlin Kiernan, beauty editor for Life & Style Weekly, was still showing up to the parties she’d helped plan—chatting with celebrities, smiling in photos, even as she privately battled cancer.
For Caitlin, what made the difference wasn’t just treatment, but finding ways to feel like herself again: a new wig, a kind manicurist, the right products to protect her skin. “Every day is a gift for me now… I’m not going to go out being a grouch… I’m going to show up for my life.”
Her story is one of many that remind us why October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, matters.
Looking Beyond the Lump
In 2016, Claire Warner noticed something strange while pulling on socks: a tiny dimple in her left breast. It wasn’t a lump, but she remembered a Facebook post about breast cancer symptoms. That post saved her life. Doctors diagnosed her with triple-negative invasive carcinoma, but they caught it early. Today, she’s cancer-free.
Her story is echoed by campaigns like Know Your Lemons, which show that breast cancer can present in more than just one way. “I hope people realize breast cancer isn’t just about the lump,” Claire said. And she’s right. Awareness saves lives.
The Myth That Holds People Back
For decades, people with cancer were told to avoid massage—warned that it might “spread” the disease. This myth, though persistent, has been proven false. Cancer spreads because of complex biological processes—not because of gentle, skilled touch.
According to the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM), massage therapy does not cause cancer to spread. What it can do, however, is make an incredible difference in how people feel during and after treatment.
Massage and Self-Care During Cancer Treatment
Cancer takes a toll not just physically, but emotionally. Treatments can cause fatigue, pain, anxiety, and fragile skin. This is where supportive therapies—like oncology massage and gentle skin care—step in.
Massage can:
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Reduce stress and anxiety
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Relieve muscle tension and neuropathy discomfort
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Improve sleep and reduce fatigue
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Provide emotional comfort through caring, human touch
Facials and skin care treatments, when done with safe products and experienced estheticians, can also ease dryness and boost confidence. As survivor Sylvia put it: “Treatments for breast cancer are so draining. I felt wonderful after my facial.”
These aren’t luxuries—they’re healing lifelines.
Why This Month Matters
October isn’t just about pink ribbons. It’s about truth, courage, and care. It’s about people like Caitlin who refuse to stop showing up, and Claire who trusted her instinct when something seemed off. It’s about breaking harmful myths and embracing support.
At Massage All, we believe in walking with you on your journey—whether that means providing a safe oncology massage, guiding you in essential oils, or simply giving you space to rest and breathe.
Life takes it out of you. Let us help put it back in.
Call us at 303-920-2350 to learn more or schedule your session.
Massage is more than relaxation. It’s care, comfort, and healing connection—for every stage of life.
Sarah Shropshire
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