Hi,
I was diagnosed with CLL back in late ‘23. I am travelling to Istanbul shortly and wanted very much to try a traditional Turkish bath. However I was reminded of just how intense these can be and I’m now unsure whether this activity might be detrimental.
I’m not currently on any medical intervention being on 6 monthly observation clinic visits.
Do you think a heavy Turkish massage will be ok, or should this be avoided?
thank you
Hi Les,
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Sarah and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists. That’s great you have a holiday to look forward to.
Turkish baths can be intense so it’s sensible to look into how safe it will be. People who are undergoing treatment for cancer are usually advised not to have a Turkish bath, sauna or use a steam room due to the risk of infection.
We would normally suggest having a massage from a trained therapist who are qualified to treat people with a cancer diagnosis. We have information about massage and touch therapies that you might find helpful to read.
There is a link to Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) but just to point out that this is only for UK therapists and not for overseas.
Leukaemia Care also have information about complementary therapies that I hope you find helpful.
The best thing going forward is to give your haematology nurse a call at the hospital. They are the best placed to advise if it’s safe to have a Turkish bath in your individual situation.
The nurses on the support line don’t have any access to medical records but your hospital nurse does and can check on your most recent blood tests and any other tests you have had.
I really hope this information was helpful. Please know, you can always give us a call to talk things through further.
Take care and best wishes,
Sarah (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.
Ref: PW
