Purpose: This study investigates the situation surrounding the use of massage to relieve cancer pain by nurses in hospices and palliative care wards all over Japan and factors affecting this usage. Methods: We conducted a survey of 989 nurses with two or more years of clinical experience employed at approved palliative care wards around Japan, using a questionnaire prepared by researchers. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 606 nurses, and 95.7% of the subjects used massage in their routine nursing care. They recognized the benefits, such as comfort, reducing anxiety and so on. From a multivariate logistic model, 'a great number of years of clinical experience in cancer nursing' (OR: 2.51, 95%CI: 1.20-4.80) and 'the superior assessment ability for the use of massage' (OR: 1.18, 95%CI: 1.09-1.27) had a significant impact on the active use of massage. Conclusion: In order to use massage more effectively it is necessary to develop knowledge acquired through clinical experience and improve nurse's assessment ability. Palliat Care Res 2010; 5(1): 101-113