Updated recommendations on the use of heat in treatments for cancer patients

New research data provides greater clarity and opportunity in the use of heat during touch therapies for anyone with a cancer diagnosis.

• Safe upper limit for heat during treatments: 42°C / 107.6°F
• Avoid static heated tool placement — always keep tools moving
• For those with lymphoedema or at risk (within three years of lymph node removal or lymph-targeted radiation) avoid direct heat treatments and indirect heat treatments on the affected limbs
• Avoid direct heat therapy on recently radiated or operated skin, or sites with implanted devices
• Avoid areas of impaired sensation/neuropathy

With more research than ever before going into the role of holistic therapies and lifestyle factors in supporting cancer patients, we continue to gain greater insights, more detailed knowledge and more helpful advice for therapists and wellbeing practitioners.

At The SATCC we are committed to ensuring that all therapists, spas, and salons delivering Touch for Cancer treatments are supported with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidance. As such, we continue to review and share emerging research so that our professional community can confidently deliver safe, inclusive, and effective therapies for people living with cancer.

One particular area of caution has been the use of heat – both in terms of treatments and spa facilities – at different stages of the cancer journey. Now, however, new analysis of research in this field received in July 2025 from Professor Anna Campbell MBE, gives greater clarity in this area.

Heat in treatments and facilities

The specifics of individual wants and needs remain dependent on personal experiences, the type of treatment a person is experiencing, as well as the type of cancer, stage of cancer, and stage of treatment.

Using thermal facilities

During cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, the safest recommendation remains to avoid the use of thermal facilities including hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas. During cancer treatments the body may already be challenged with increased risk of dehydration, infection, cardiovascular stress, skin changes and lymphoedema.  Heat experiences, such as sauna and steam where the temperatures generally exceed 42°C and cannot be individually controlled.

Heat in touch therapy treatments

In terms of the application of heat in touch therapy treatments, heat up to 42°C /107.6°F can be used safely during Touch for Cancer treatments for those living with cancer and those currently undergoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. These are milder forms of heat (e.g. warm packs, infrared lamps, lava shells, poultices and hot stones) used for symptom relief (pain, stiffness, muscle relaxation, circulation). However, please be aware of the following important exceptions:

• • Continuous movement of heated tools: Massage tools such as stones, shells, poultices, or similar may be used, but must remain in continuous movement during treatment. Static application or placement of heated tools must be avoided.
  • Clients at risk of lymphoedema: Research indicates that risk is highest for clients who have had lymph nodes removed or received radiation targeting lymph areas within the last three years. The evidence is that 75% of lymphoedema cases occur within the first year following these treatments, and 90% occur within the first three years. Therefore, all direct heat on affected limbs or indirect heat treatments should be avoided for these clients during this three-year period.
  • PICC lines and recently radiated skin: Avoid direct heat therapy on recently radiated skin, or sites with implanted devices such as a PICC line.
  • Avoid areas of impaired sensation/neuropathy: Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. 

Professor Anna Campbell MBE, Professor at Edinburgh Napier University, Adviser on Cancer to WHO, Director at CanRehab, and special adviser to the SATCC, has been instrumental in the research. She says: “It is important that therapists and wellbeing practitioners continue to develop their practice based on current evidence in order to provide a safe and effective service. A review of the studies currently published in this have provided the current recommendations.”

Sue Harmsworth MBE, Founder and Chairman of the SATCC, says: “The increasing spotlight that is being shone on the importance of holistic care for cancer patients is essential for supporting people on a human level during and beyond medical treatment. The more knowledge with which we can empower therapists, wellbeing practitioners, and patients themselves, the better. At the SATCC we welcome this increasing level of understanding, and congratulate Anna and other researchers on their continued efforts to make such an important difference.”

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