partners in healing

Instructional Video: How to Give Comfort through Touch and Massage to a Loved One with Cancer

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Online Version
Streaming video with
e-book manual

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Hard copy version
DVD disk with
spiral bound manual


One of the most comforting forms of support you can offer a loved one with cancer is the use of touch. This inspiring and authoritative video program provides detailed instruction by leading experts in the field of oncology massage* in safe and simple techniques anyone can learn and apply. Developed with support from the National Cancer Institute, it follows eleven cancer patients and their caregivers through a workshop as they learn and practice simple touch and massage techniques together. You can gain new confidence and satisfaction in caring for your loved one. Full program available in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese languages (plus optional subtitles for the hearing impaired). See Preview below. (To see TV news stories about the program click here.)


"I learned that I could help ease her pain...
That makes me feel confident, knowing there’s
something I’m able to do to help her."– Michael

Instructional video with illustrated 66-page manual, all by leading experts in cancer support and oncology massage


Health & Wellness
Social Issues

** 6 MINUTE PREVIEW **

See preview in Spanish · Mandarin · Cantonese

Extended 16 minute preview (English only)

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PURCHASE HERE

Online Version: $19.95

  • Single user license good for 20 logins to view streaming video (renewal $5)
  • Required browser: Safari or Chrome
  • Access to all 5 languages – English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese
  • Manual as e-book download (ePub, Mobi, PDF), read on your computer or tablet
  • Organizational licensing available (info)
Online Version

Hard Copy Version: $39.95

  • DVD includes English, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin language tracks
  • Includes closed captioning in each language for the hearing impaired.
  • Spiral bound manual in your choice of one language.
DVD with English manual

DVD with Spanish manual

DVD with Chinese manual

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USER TESTIMONIALS

“I've seen the DVD so many times, I think I know it by heart new. B. really still prefers the ‘loving touch’ on her extremities (head, face, feet and hands). I think it really helps her circulation. She usually takes a nap of 30 – 45 minutes after a session. They really relax her.  We do sessions flat on her back and she always falls asleep afterwards with the dog curled up next to her. This is really helping!  We both look forward to these sessions very much. Thank you for teaching us these techniques.”

“Our sessions have helped maintain a level of intimacy, despite my husband's chemo side effects.”

“It just keeps getting better! She is enjoying these sessions very much and looks forward to them as do I. Thank you so much for teaching us these techniques. What a fantastic experience!! It's been a privilege to be part of this study.  Thank you so much for accepting us.”

“My wife really seemed to enjoy the massage – she dozed a bit. I look forward to the next session. It brings us closer together.”

More user testimonials...

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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY...

"I'm a firm believer in training caregivers... this allows them to be able to be a participant. The connection between a caregiver and a patient is very important, and it most likely is going to be that this type of project, where you do have touch and massage going on between a caregiver and a patient, is going to just improve the relationship and also improve the general outcome."
– David Rosenthal, MD, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center,
and former president, American Cancer Society

"Caregivers need practical tools to be able to feel empowered to help the cancer patient. For example, a lot of people don't know the right way to massage somebody... By having some skills and tools to be able to do it they’ll be able to connect more with the patient--even moreso, they'll feel better themselves. They'll feel like they can make the difference... that's why I think this program is so wonderful--it helps both the patient and the family member to be united, and to say, 'What can we do together to get through this?'"
– Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN, Distinguished Cancer Scholar,
Emory University School of Nursing

"Working with the Touch, Caring and Cancer program at Providence Cancer Center has been a highlight of my massage and nursing career. I have seen this program change people's lives. It has not only reduced pain and anxiety but helped with sleep and relaxation. It has brought couples, family members and friends closer together. One couple called it ‘the best marriage counseling ever'! I have been amazed at the positive results of the techniques taught and how anyone--all ages--could learn and practice them in a very short period of time. I highly recommend this program, you absolutely can't go wrong."
– Mary Malinski, RN, LMT, HN-BC, Nurse Clinician, Integrative Medicine Dept., Providence Cancer Center, Portland, OR

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AMAZON REVIEWS

(Five stars.) I thought this was a wonderful dvd for anyone who views this!! How creative to create something so positive out of something so tragic! It was done with the highest intentions, with love & respect. I've studied under Tracy Walton and find her amazing! This is also good review for massage therapists as well!

(Five stars.) I had the opportunity to take part in the reseach study utilizing this program. Outcomes of the study included pain reduction and decreased stress and anxiety for the cancer patient and their caregiver. The book and combined DVD is a MUST for any person wanting to share gentle comfort touch with a cancer patient. I have been a practicing nurse and massage therapist for many years and this experience was a highlight of my nursing career. I saw lives brighten and change favorably by introducing relaxation and comfort with simple techniques of touch. This DVD needs to be part of the tools available for optimal cancer care.

(Five stars.) I am a cancer patient. TOUCH, CARING & CANCER is a wonderful DVD. It showed me and my husband how he could safely administer gentle massage. Both our shared experience of touch (he giving me the massage & me receiving) and the enormous muscle tension/ pain relief I experienced from the massages have been remarkable. I am now 10 weeks post surgery and am done with chemo & radiation. The gentle massages my husband continues to provide keep my moral positive and have strengthed our relationship.

(Five stars.) As an oncology nurse and a massage therapist I am so pleased to see this type of teaching tool for caregivers. The DVD is presented in such a way that the information is straightforward and helpful for the average caregiver to feel that they are learning some "ready to use" techniques. While there is appropriate emphasis on the safety issues, the main theme is that there are many techniques that can be done to support their loved ones on the cancer journey. I hope to use this video in the home care/hospice setting as well as the outpatient cancer center where I work. Great job! I will be highly recommending this video to other oncology massage therapists.

(Five stars.) What an inspiration this video is. I am a former Licensed Massage Therapist who presently works for a Hospice in upstate New York. This video captures exactly what I have been encouraging people to do for someone who is sick. Many times, family or friends feel helpless when they can't "do" anything for a patient. This video shows easy steps for someone to do a simple foot or hand massage to a longer full back-shoulder-neck massage. It helps so much for the patient! It warmed my heart that there is scientific evidence that massage reduces a patients pain! I knew it but now there's finally evidence! Our hospice did an inservice to all our RN's, LPN's Spiritual Care Counselors etc to show how to include massage in their visits with patients. They loved it! Next step is to get the families involved. The video is informative, inspiring, and filled me with hope. Thank you to the creators. If you are considering buying this, don't think twice. It is very well done and could help bring Massage Therapy to a new level, and into the realm health care as it should be.

(Five stars.) As an oncology massage therapist for 10 years I was thrilled when I watched the video for the first time. Research is proving that massage can help side effects during cancer treatment. The reality is that many times people either can't afford safe massage, get the wrong kind of massage or their family members are afraid of hurting them if they were to massage them. The instructions and DVD takes the fear of causing discomfort away for the caregiver and allows them to offer gentle touch at a time when someone needs it the most.

(Five stars.) This is a straight-forward yet heartfelt video that addresses easing stress for those undergoing cancer treatments. It takes the approach that gentle, concise, touch has a profound healing effect on the loved one. It offers concrete methods for caregivers to approach massage as a way to mitigate the overwhelming stresses of cancer and actually offer something concrete that they "can do" to be there with their loved one at this crucial time. Sponsored by the National Institute of Health and produced by the foremost instructors in Oncology Massage including Tracy Walton and Janet Kahn, this video is a must have for laymen and professionals alike. _______________________________________________________________________

FOR PROFESSIONALS & ORGANIZATIONS

For professionals and organizations who wish to provide the program to their families the following resources are available:

Online access for organizations -- Organizations can license access for their entire service population by given out passcodes for downloading the electronic version (e-book version of their choice, and streaming the video) at their convenience at home. Organizations can also stream the video content on their in-house networks.

Guide for Professionals (click to download PDF) -- For professionals working in cancer centers, hospice programs and other palliative care settings. Includes guidelines for introducing the Touch, Caring and Cancer program in support groups, workshops, in-service and other educational programs. The Guide also outlines several organizational strategies for reaching families, including the underserved, and includes strategies for funding the availability of the program in hospitals and other treatment setttings.

Consultation -- With William Collinge on strategies for successful use of the program in your setting.

Educational Opportunities -- Seminars and retreats led by William Collinge using the Touch, Caring and Cancer Program; and in-service programs or grand rounds presentations for professionals related to improving quality of patient care through this form of family participation.

Organizational Discounts -- For quantity pricing of the Touch, Caring and Cancer Program (in all languages) as well as the CD Music for Partners in Healing

For all of the above, Contact Us.

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Where Touch, Caring and Cancer is being used...

A Touch of Health Massage, Riverside, RI
Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN
Alexian Brothers Hospital Network, Elk Grove Village, IL
Banksia Palliative Care Service, Australia
Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, Ware, MA
Beaver Medical Group, Banning, CA
Beth C Wright Cancer Resource Center, Ellsworth, ME
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
Billings Clinic Cancer Center, Billings, MT
British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cancer Care, Inc., New York, NY
Cancer Center for Health Living, Peoria, IL
Cancer Council Australia
Cancer Navigators GA, Rome, GA
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne, IN
Cancer Support Community-Florida Suncoast, Sarasota, FL
Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center, Fayetteville, NC
Catholic Medical Center, Manchester, NH
Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
Centegra Health System Sage Cancer Center, McHenry, IL
Center for Integrative Medicine, St. Francis Medical Center, Harford, CT
Chicago State University, Chicago, IL

Chinese American Service League, Chicago, IL

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Clearview Cancer Institute, Huntsville, AL
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Warrensville Hts., OH
Connections4Health, Houston, TX
Dana Farber/South Shore Hospital, South Weymouth, MA
Dartmouth Hitchcock-Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH
Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Shreveport, LA
Fletcher Allen Care, Burlington, VT
Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, IA
George Washington Univ. Cancer Center, Washington, DC
Gilda’s Club, Los Angeles, CA
Givens Estates, Ashville, NC
Group Health Cooperative, Seattle, WA
Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI
Herald Cancer Association, Houston, TX
Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Spring, MD
Hôpital régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital Cancer Program, ON, Canada
Hospice Casa Sperantei, Brasov, Romania
Hospice of Chattanooga, TN
Hulston Cancer Center – Cox Health, Springfield, MO
Illinois CancerCare, Peoria, IL
Indiana University Hospitals, Bloomington, IN
IU Health Horth Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
JPS Center for Cancer Care, Fort Worth, TX
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, all state chapters
Lincoln Medical Partners, ME
Main Line Health, Philadelphia, PA
Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute, Scarborough, ME
Marian Medical Center, Santa Maria, CA
Masonicare Home Health & Hospice, CT
MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Memorial Hermann Home Health, TX
Memorial Regional Hospital, Hollywood, FL
Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
Moores UCSD Cancer Center, San Diego, CA
Mount Desert Island Hospital, ME
National Cancer Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
Nevada Cancer Institute, Las Vegas, NV
North Coast Cancer Care, Sandusky, OH
North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset NY
Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Hts, IL
Oceans Massage Therapy Center, Lubbock, TX
OKC VAMC, Oklahoma City, OK
OU College of Nursing, Oklahoma City, OK
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Overlook Hospital, Morristown, NJ
Palliative Care Program, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland, VT
Palliative Care Program, St. Paul Federal Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Palliative Care Program, VA Puget Sound Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Peacehealth, Longview, WA
Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, MD
Poudre Valley Hospital Oncology Program, Ft. Collins, CO
Providence Cancer Center, Anchorage, AK
Providence Cancer Center, Portland, OR
Providence Hospital, Centralia, WA
Providence Hospital, Everett, WA
Providence Palliative Care Program, Portland, OR
Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, San Diego, CA
Richard A Henson Cancer Institute, PRHC, Salisbury, MD
Riverside Health Care System, Yonkers, NY
Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY
Saint Barnabas Cancer Program, Livingston, NJ
Saint Mary’s Lacks Cancer Center, Grand Rapids, MI
Samaritan Cancer Center, Dayton, OH
Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND
Simonds-Hurd Complementary Care Ctr., Health Alliance Hosp., Fitchburg, MA
Southern Maine Medical Center Visiting Nurses, Kennebunk, ME
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT
St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, CA
St. Luke’s Health System, Kansas City, MO
St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, IA
Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT
Stanford Hospital & Clinics, Stanford, CA
Strathcarron Hospice, Denny, Scotland
The Gathering Place, Beachwood, OH
Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Torrance, CA
Tray Walton & Associates, LLC, Cambridge, M
A
UCSD Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, CA
UH Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH
UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC
University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital, Burmingham, AL
University of Delaware School of Nursing, Newark, DE
University of North Texas, Denton, TX
VA Miami Medical Center, Miami, FL
Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA
WellPoint, Indianapolis, IN
West Michigan Cancer Center, Kalamazoo, MI
Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Care, Milwaukee, WI
Winneshiek Medical Center, Decorah, IA
Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA
And many more...

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*Oncology massage: The use of massage therapy techniques as a form of supportive or palliative care for the comfort of people with cancer.

About the Book Partners in Healing

The Book

About the DVD Touch, Caring and Cancer

Instructional Video Program

About the Music for Partners in Healing

Music