Reflexology is an ancient form of complementary therapy which has become increasingly popular in recent years.

It is based on the belief that all the major areas and organs of the body are represented on different parts of the feet and toes and that massaging these sites on the feet in various ways will keep the body healthy or restore the health of diseased tissue and organs.

The treatment itself involves sessions of between half an hour to an hour where you either lie or sit and have your feet massaged. Parts of the massage can be quite firm but the process is not painful. The frequency of the sessions varies but it is unusual to have them more than once a week. The number of sessions of treatment also varies a great deal from person to person and some people like to continue with reflexology for months or even years.

There is no good scientific evidence to suggest that reflexology is beneficial in cancer treatment. Having said this many people who have cancer and who have reflexology say that they find it helps ease some of their symptoms or helps them cope with the side-effects of treatment. Other people say that they just find it a very pleasant way of relaxing.

Over the last few years some cancer departments in hospitals have started to offer reflexology as part of their NHS service but the majority of treatment is still done on a private basis.

There is no evidence of reflexology actually doing any harm to people who have cancer and so if you do feel you would like to try it, and see if it helps you, it should be perfectly safe but it would be best just to mention it to your doctors and get their advice.