Women with breast cancer are at risk for elevated depression, anxiety, and decreased natural killer cell number.

Stress has been linked to increased tumor development by decreasing natural killer cell activity.

A study included 34 women diagnosed with Stage 1 or 2 breast cancer and examined massage therapy for improving mood and biological measures associated with mood enhancement (serotonin, dopamine), reducing stress and stress hormone levels, and boosting immune measures.

The immediate massage therapy effects included reduced anxiety, depressed mood, and anger.

The longer term massage effects included reduced depression and hostility and increased urinary dopamine, serotonin values, natural killer cell number, and lymphocytes.

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