Medical masseuse Ana Javier is unnerved by the steady flow of cancer patients through her door.

In the last year, the owner of AJ Serenity on Berry Hill Road, Paget, has provided medical and lymphatic massage to around 200 people either with cancer or who are recovering from cancer treatment.

“I get concerned because cancer rates in Bermuda are obviously very high,” she said.

“I am seeing all types of cancer in men and women. It can happen to anyone. Taking care of our bodies and making sure we go to the doctor when we need to is so important.”

Four years ago, she started out mostly focused on providing massage to people who had cosmetic surgery overseas and needed follow up massage support in Bermuda.

As word got out that she also worked with people recovering from other surgeries, her practice got busy.

“I have no shortage of clients,” she said. “The doctors have started recommending me now.”

The body has around 1,000 lymph nodes. Sometimes nodes become blocked, or are removed to impede the flow of cancer cells around the body.

When fluid cannot be drained properly there can be swelling and other complications. Lymphatic massage pushes fluid towards the client’s working lymph nodes. Medical massage can also help reduce scarring and pain.

She also works with clients who have had non-cancer related surgery or women who are recovering from caesarean sections or going through menopause.

“During menopause your system slows down completely,” she said. “You have so many issues. Hormone changes cause a shock to the system. Your lymphatic system does not know what to do so it tends to hold on to water.”

She first qualified as a medical masseuse in the Dominican Republic and has been practising for 16 years.