Reflexology for the symptomatic treatment of breast cancer: a systematic review
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for cancer pain, explained
The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of reflexology as a symptomatic treatment for breast cancer. In all, 12 databases were searched from the time of their inception through July 2010. Prospective, controlled clinical trials of reflexology in patients with breast cancer that included an assessment of clinical outcome measures were reviewed. Study selection, data extraction, and validations were performed independently by 2 reviewers. One randomized clinical trial (RCT) and three nonrandomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) met our inclusion criteria. One large RCT showed significant differences in quality of life and mood when reflexology was compared with self-initiated support. Three CCTs tested reflexology compared with no treatment or simple rest. All of them suggested favorable effects of reflexology on pain, nausea, and vomiting. However, they had a high risk of bias. Collectively, the existing evidence does not convincingly show that reflexology is effective for breast cancer care. Future studies seem warranted; they should be of high methodological quality, and include adequate control interventions.
Key Findings: what this systematic review found about cancer pain
- ✓One large randomized clinical trial demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and mood when reflexology was compared with self-initiated support in breast cancer patients.
- ✓Three non-randomized controlled trials suggested favorable effects of reflexology on pain, nausea, and vomiting, but these studies had a high risk of bias.
- ✓The existing evidence does not convincingly demonstrate that reflexology is effective as a symptomatic treatment for breast cancer based on the available controlled clinical trials.
What This Means for You
While reflexology may help with some breast cancer symptoms like pain and nausea, current evidence is not strong enough to rely on it as a primary treatment, so discuss it with your oncologist before use.
What This Means for Practitioners
To build credibility for reflexology in cancer care, the field needs more high-quality, well-designed studies with proper control groups and larger sample sizes.
Reflexology for cancer pain: common questions
Does reflexology help with cancer pain?
While reflexology may help with some breast cancer symptoms like pain and nausea, current evidence is not strong enough to rely on it as a primary treatment, so discuss it with your oncologist before use.
What did this study find?
One large randomized clinical trial demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and mood when reflexology was compared with self-initiated support in breast cancer patients. Three non-randomized controlled trials suggested favorable effects of reflexology on pain, nausea, and vomiting, but these studies had a high risk of bias. The existing evidence does not convincingly demonstrate that reflexology is effective as a symptomatic treatment for breast cancer based on the available controlled clinical trials.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a systematic review and we rate its evidence limited. It was published in Integrative cancer therapies, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Related Research
Complementary therapy in practice
Engaging Patients in Research That Involves Meditation: Religious Concerns and Nursing Implications
Improving Quality of Life in The Constipated Older Person: Reflexology or Abdominal Massage? A Two-Group, Randomized Comparative Trial
Mind-Body Interventions for People With Cancer: Evidence, Innovation, and Implementation
Therapeutic Massage for Cancer Survivors: An Umbrella Review
Looking for a reflexologist?
Find practitioners who can help with the conditions studied in this research.
Find a Reflexologist