Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Cancer- benefits & support

Approximately 3.5 million people are currently living with cancer in the UK, with someone receiving a diagnosis roughly every 90 seconds*. Advances in cancer research and treatment continue to improve outcomes, with a growing focus on supportive therapies that help people tolerate treatment, reduce side effects and recover more effectively.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is increasingly being explored as a complementary therapy alongside conventional cancer care. While HBOT is not a cure for cancer, research suggests it may offer meaningful benefits in supporting treatment response, tissue healing and overall quality of life.

At HBOT Oasis in Manchester, we provide mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy up to 1.5 ATA to support people before, during and after cancer treatment.

How Cancer and Oxygen Levels Are Connected

Many tumours develop and thrive in low-oxygen environments, a condition known as tumour hypoxia. Hypoxic tumours are often more aggressive and can be more resistant to conventional treatments such as radiotherapy and some chemotherapies.

Low oxygen levels in tissues may:

• Reduce the effectiveness of radiotherapy

• Increase resistance to cancer treatments

• Promote inflammation and tissue damage

• Slow healing and recovery

  
  

Improving oxygen levels within tissues may help create a biological environment that is less favourable for tumour survival and more supportive of healing.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing  a high level of oxygen (c. 94-96%) in a pressurised chamber. This allows significantly higher levels of oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream and reach tissues throughout the body, including areas with compromised circulation.

HBOT increases oxygen delivery to:

• Tissues affected by poor blood supply

• Areas damaged by radiotherapy

• Cells under inflammatory or oxidative stress

  
  

By improving tissue oxygenation, HBOT helps support cell repair, angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and wound healing, all of which are particularly important for people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.

Some studies suggest that improving oxygenation may also influence tumour biology, including reducing tumour aggressiveness in certain cancer types when used in conjunction with standard treatments.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy May Support Cancer Treatment

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often applied for cancer treatment but can place significant stress on healthy tissues. HBOT is increasingly used as a supportive therapy to help patients tolerate treatment and recover more effectively.

Enhancing Radiotherapy Effectiveness

Oxygen plays a crucial role in how radiotherapy damages cancer cells. Improved tissue oxygenation may enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy in certain hypoxic tumours.

Reducing Treatment Side Effects

HBOT supports tissue repair and may help reduce:

• Inflammation

• Pain

• Swelling

• Radiation-induced tissue damage

  
  

Improving Recovery and Energy Levels

Many people report improved energy, reduced fatigue and better resilience when HBOT is included as part of a supportive care plan.

Chemo brain

Chemotherapy and radiation may cause brain fog or a condition called ‘chemo brain’ resulting in a reduction in short-term and long-term memory. It may also result in delayed reactions and issues with other cognitive functions.

There was a case where a 56-year old woman received a lumpectomy along with chemotherapy and radiation. After these treatments, her memory and critical thinking abilities declined so she was no longer able to work. She received 20 one-hour Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy sessions and showed significant memory and thinking improvement. This allowed her to return to work for the first time in six years.

HBOT sessions before radiotherapy or chemotherapy, followed by continued sessions afterwards, may support better tissue tolerance and recovery.

Additional Benefits of HBOT When Living With Cancer

Beyond treatment support, HBOT may help address wider challenges associated with cancer and recovery.

Improved Sleep

Sleep disruption is common during cancer treatment. HBOT promotes relaxation and improved oxygen delivery to the brain, which may help support sleep quality.

Reduced Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can worsen discomfort and delay healing. HBOT helps modulate inflammatory pathways and supports overall tissue health.

Increased Energy and Physical Strength

Improved oxygen delivery to muscles and organs may help combat fatigue and support physical recovery during and after treatment.

Fatigue

Many people going through cancer treatment may experience fatigue. HBOT shows great outcomes for people suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, therefore the sessions in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber are beneficial for those suffering with cancer related fatigue.

Stem Cell Mobilisation

Research suggests HBOT may stimulate the mobilisation of stem cells, which play a role in tissue repair and regeneration.

Together, these benefits can play an important role in supporting physical recovery, emotional resilience and quality of life during cancer journey.

At HBOT Oasis Manchester, we provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a calm, supportive and non-clinical environment. We offer a free consultation to put together best treatment plan and ensure that every session is tailored to your needs.

What to Expect from a session in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber

• Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes

• You can relax in silence or listening to your favourite podcast, music or read a book

• Treatments are non-invasive and painless

• Clients relax comfortably while breathing oxygen in the chamber that looks like a tent.

  
  

We encourage clients to engage with their oncology teams to ensure HBOT complements existing cancer treatment safely and appropriately.

If you or someone you know is going through cancer let’s explore how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may support your / their fight. Contact us on 0786 1212 092 or at info@hbotoasis.com

Research and Evidence on HBOT and Cancer

For further reading and clinical references on hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer support, explore the following resources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3510426/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40142196/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28832662/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38329746/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37174078/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37585677/

*Source https://www.macmillan.org.uk/ [02.2026}