Oncology Massage a Vital Part of Care at the Wellness Centre
A Healing Touch: Bringing Comfort, Care and Connection to Cancer Patients and Carers
For those navigating the physical and emotional impacts of cancer, the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Wellness Centre is a place of comfort, support and the healing touch.
One of the most quietly powerful services on offer is oncology massage, provided by Rachelle Van Aken through the Centre’s subsidised voucher program. A qualified remedial massage therapist with advanced training in oncology massage, Rachelle delivers specialised treatments tailored to cancer patients and their carers.
“Oncology massage is very different to regular remedial massage,” Rachelle explains. “It’s about gentle, supportive touch, and working with the body rather than applying pressure to it. It helps calm the nervous system, ease side effects, and provide a positive experience of touch, which can be rare during cancer treatment.”
Rachelle says that while some clients come for pain relief or to manage radiation or surgical side effects, others simply want a moment of calm before or after a procedure. “It can be grounding for people, especially when they feel anxious or vulnerable. A lot of what we do is about creating a sense of normalcy and reassurance.”
The Oncology Massage Voucher Program is funded by the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund, and is available not only to patients, but to carers as well, something Rachelle is passionate about promoting.
“Carers go through so much, often silently. Being able to offer them the same level of care and support is important. This service is about the whole community of care, not just the patient.”
Rachelle sees a small but steady number of patients each week, depending on their needs and treatment schedules.
Later this year, she will head to the Sunshine Coast to complete her Advanced Program in Oncology Massage. “I’m always learning. The more I know, the better I can support people.”
Rachelle’s enthusiasm for her role is infectious. “It sounds cliché, but everyone deserves to feel well, to be treated like a person and not just a diagnosis. I love hearing people’s stories and building those relationships. It’s a real privilege to do what I do.”
For those interested in accessing oncology massage, vouchers are coordinated by Wellness Centre staff and are available by referral. More information can be found through the Centre or by speaking with your treatment team.
With continued support from the community and the Trust Fund, the Wellness Centre continues to be a pillar of care. Ensuring that every person affected by cancer is treated with compassion, dignity and respect.
