Oncology Massage Training Ltd

09/09/2026

| WHY THE NEED FOR ONCOLOGY MASSAGE CONTINUES TO GROW |

“The statistics highlight a growing need in Australia for more OM therapists to support individuals living with cancer.”
- OM1 Graduate, Sonoko

As the number of people living with and beyond cancer continues to grow, so too does the need for supportive care that recognises the complexities of each person’s experience.

Oncology Massage is a gentle, individually adapted form of massage designed to safely support people at every stage of their cancer experience.

It is not simply a lighter massage.

Oncology Massage therapists learn to consider each person’s diagnosis, treatment history, symptoms, medications and potential side effects. They then thoughtfully adapt elements such as pressure, positioning, session length and area of focus.

Through specialised, evidence-informed training, therapists can build the knowledge, clinical reasoning and confidence needed to provide safe, compassionate and responsive care.

Every person affected by cancer deserves to be supported by someone who understands how to adapt their touch.

07/09/2026

| CELEBRATING OUR NEWEST OM1 NSW GRADUATES |

Certificates in hand and plenty of smiles. A wonderful way to mark the completion of OM1!

Congratulations to this fantastic group of students who recently completed their Oncology Massage training at Pink Finss in New South Wales.

Over the course of the OM1 program, students build their understanding of how cancer and its treatments may affect the body and learn how to safely adapt massage to meet the individual needs of each person.

The in-person component gives students the opportunity to bring that learning together through hands-on practice, shared discussion and guidance from an experienced OMT facilitator.

A heartfelt thank you to Di Mifsud-Ellul for supporting and guiding our students throughout their in-person training, and to Pink Finss for providing such a welcoming venue.

Most importantly, congratulations to our graduates. We are so pleased to have you as part of the Oncology Massage community and hope you feel very proud of this important achievement.

06/09/2026

| WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK 2026 |

This Women’s Health Week, the theme “do it anyway” reminds us that caring for our health does not have to begin with a dramatic change.

Sometimes it begins with one small step.

Booking the appointment you have been putting off.

Asking the question you have been hesitant to ask.

Making time to move, rest or reconnect.

Listening when your body tells you that something does not feel right.

Or allowing yourself to accept care and support when you need it.

For women affected by cancer, health and wellbeing can become particularly complex. Needs may change throughout diagnosis, treatment, recovery, survivorship and palliative care—and supportive care should always recognise the whole person, not only the disease.

Oncology Massage is one form of supportive care that can be thoughtfully adapted to the individual’s health, symptoms, treatment history and needs on the day.

This Women’s Health Week, we encourage every woman to take one realistic step for her health.

It does not have to be perfect. It simply needs to begin.

03/09/2026

l CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH l

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 🎗️

💛Did you know that cancer is a leading cause of death by disease in children worldwide?

Children can't fight cancer alone, and they shouldn't have to. This month, we are turning our feeds GOLD to stand with patients, honor survivors, and fund life-saving research.

Whether you wear a gold ribbon, share a story, or donate to a pediatric cancer foundation, every single action helps bring us closer to a cure.

For more information or to make a donation visit 👇
https://childhoodcancer.asn.au/how-we-help/diagnosis-treatment/massage-therapy/

02/09/2026

l STILL THINKING ABOUT JOINING US? l

Our 2026 training calendar is open for registrations and there are still opportunities to join us before the year comes to a close.

Whether you're taking your first step into oncology massage or continuing your professional development, we'd love to welcome you to one of our remaining programs across Australia and New Zealand.

Upcoming Training:

🧡 OM2 | SCHOC, QLD
📚 E-learning: 3 September
👐 In person: 3–5 October

🧡 OM2 | Sporting Club, SA
🟠 Early Bird closes: 16 August
📚 E-learning: 16 September
👐 In person: 16–18 October

💚 OM1 | Dove Hospice & Wellness, Auckland, NZ
🟢 Early Bird closes: 17 August
📚 E-learning: 17 September
👐 In person: 17–19 October

🧡 OM2 | Pink Finss, NSW
🟠 Early Bird closes: 6 September
📚 E-learning: 6 October
👐 In person: 6–8 November

🧡 OM2 | OPC Health, VIC
🟠 Early Bird closes: 13 September
📚 E-learning: 13 October
👐 In person: 13–15 November

💙 Advanced Program | SCHI, QLD
📚 E-learning: 2 October-6 November
👐 In person: 20–22 November

⚠️ Very limited places remain.

🧡 Already completed OM2?

Remember, Day One of every OM2 training includes our Mini Tutorial, designed for graduates who would like to refresh their skills before progressing to the Advanced Program. Or simply enjoy a confidence boost, connection with students and a clinical refresher.

We hope to see you at a training around Australia or New Zealand before the end of the year.

Register via our website or email [email protected] for more details.

31/08/2026

l ONLY 2 PLACES REMAIN | ADVANCED PROGRAM 2026 l

There's still time to secure your place in our 2026 OMT Advanced Program...but not much.

With only two places remaining, this is your opportunity to take the next step in your oncology massage education alongside a small group of experienced therapists.

Designed for OM2 graduates, the Advanced Program builds on your existing knowledge through a combination of comprehensive online learning and three days of immersive, face-to-face education led by our Senior Facilitation Team.

Together, we'll explore more advanced clinical reasoning, communication and decision-making to help you work confidently with increasingly complex presentations in oncology massage practice.

Program Details

📚 Online learning: Commences 2 October 2026
👐 Face-to-face training: 20–22 November 2026
📍 Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Queensland
👥 Limited to just eight participants

To apply you will need:

✔ OM2 completed within the past four years

✔ Recommendation from an OMT Facilitator

✔ At least one year's experience working with oncology clients or within a healthcare setting

✔ Current professional membership, insurance and Senior First Aid

If you've been considering taking the next step in your professional development, now is the time.

📧 Email [email protected] or visit our website to register.

Only two places remain.

31/08/2026

| UNDERSTANDING BLOOD CANCER |

September is Blood Cancer Month. A time to raise awareness of the many different blood cancers and acknowledge everyone affected by them.

Blood cancer is not one single disease. It includes conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, which can affect the production and function of blood cells, bone marrow and the lymphatic system.

Each person’s experience is different.

The type of blood cancer, its stage, treatment, symptoms and side effects can all influence how someone feels and what supportive care may be appropriate.

For Oncology Massage therapists, understanding these differences is essential.

A massage session may need to be thoughtfully adapted in response to factors such as fatigue, pain, bruising, infection risk, treatment devices, swelling, changes to sensation or the effects of medication.

This is why Oncology Massage is never a one-size-fits-all approach.

It is individually adapted care, grounded in knowledge, clinical reasoning and respect for the person’s changing needs.

This Blood Cancer Month, we acknowledge every person living with blood cancer, along with their families, carers, healthcare teams and support networks.

To learn more visit - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22883-blood-cancer

27/08/2026

| 2026 INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL SCAR TISSUE SUMMIT |

A reminder, two weeks to go!

We are delighted to share that Tania Shaw, Managing Director of Oncology Massage Training, will be presenting at the 2026 International Virtual Scar Tissue Summit for Manual Therapists.

Held online on Sunday 13 September 2026, the summit brings together five experienced presenters to explore scar tissue assessment and treatment through nutrition, clinical tools, treatment approaches and real life case studies.

Tania will contribute an important oncology perspective through her presentation on post operative scars and a case study within the oncology setting.

For manual therapists, understanding scar tissue can help inform thoughtful, individualised care for clients whose comfort, movement, function and wellbeing may have been affected by surgery or treatment.

The event can be attended live, with recordings also available for 30 days afterwards for anyone unable to join on the day.

📅 Sunday 13 September 2026
💻 Online event
🎟 Register today at www.comphs.com.au

We are proud to see Tania representing OMT alongside this outstanding group of international speakers and sharing her knowledge with the wider manual therapy community.

26/08/2026

l WHEN A FEW MINUTES CAN CHANGE MOVEMENT l

Sometimes the greatest impact comes from techniques people never knew existed.

Pictured are Julie Lewis, Lizzie Milligan (Oncology Scar Specialist & Senior Facilitator), Tania Shaw (OMT Managing Director & Senior Facilitator). and Carol Adams, who joined us during our recent Restore Oncology Scar Specialist Training on the Sunshine Coast.

Julie and Carol have both experienced head and neck cancer and have previously received massage therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). Yet neither had ever been offered scar therapy as part of their care.

Carol, who established the first Head & Neck Cancer Australia support group on the Sunshine Coast following her own tongue cancer treatment, volunteered as our live demonstration client.

After just a short, gentle scar therapy session, she noticed an immediate improvement in both her neck comfort and her range of movement.

"I couldn't believe how much difference such a gentle treatment made."

Carol chose not to receive intra-oral treatment as she still experiences tenderness inside her mouth, demonstrating another important principle of scar therapy.
Treatment is always individualised.

💚 Every scar is different.
💚 Every person is different.
💚 And every treatment is guided by the client's comfort, goals and clinical presentation.

For many people living with scars following cancer treatment, improvements in comfort, movement and confidence can have a meaningful impact on everyday life.

These are the moments that remind us why education in oncology scar therapy matters.

🙏 A heartfelt thank you to Carol and Julie for generously sharing their experiences and helping our students learn in such a supportive environment.

24/08/2026

l SMALL CHOICES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE l

When it comes to cancer, there are no guarantees.

Not every diagnosis can be prevented, and factors such as age, genetics and chance all play a role.

But that doesn't mean we're powerless.

A recent article shared by Cleveland Clinic reminds us that many everyday lifestyle choices can help reduce our risk of developing cancer over time.

Some of the evidence-based recommendations include:

✔ Don't smoke or v**e.

✔ Choose a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole foods and lean protein.

✔ Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight.

✔ Limit alcohol.

✔ Protect your skin from excessive UV exposure.

✔ Practice safe s*x and consider recommended vaccinations such as HPV and Hepatitis B.

These aren't about striving for perfection.

They're about making small, sustainable choices that support your health—today and into the future.

As healthcare professionals, therapists and carers, we have an opportunity not only to support people living with cancer, but also to encourage conversations around prevention and healthy living.

💚 Prevention isn't always possible.
But healthier choices are always worthwhile.

📖 Read the full Cleveland Clinic article here: https://bit.ly/CanYouPreventCancer

Content inspired by and shared with thanks to Cleveland Clinic.

Research shows you can reduce cancer risk. Here’s what you can do to better your odds.