CANCER SPA
Patients oſten burst into tears because they feel so loved, cared for and supported
“Massage is a great pain reliever, but the pressure has to be modulated if patients have bone cancer to prevent injury”
Lang. “Finding out how to manage through the confusion and pain is a bit of a jour- ney.” Te spa should be praised for this focus on education and giving patients access to advice from qualified, highly experience professionals in the field.
WHAT COULD SPAS DO? When asked how the spa community could follow their example, Lang and Kemmy strongly suggest a partnership with a med- ical oncology group. They believe that western, medically-oriented physicians are now inclined to incorporate integrative or complementary treatments in their offering due to the strong evidenced-based research conducted by the NIH. Just as cosmetic surgeons have long part-
nered with spas – so can oncology groups. Spa operators, cancer physicians and patients would all have much to gain through such collaboration. Spas should immediately begin to search out an oncology practice that they can partner with. Te rule of thumb is the medical creed
‘first do no harm’. Of course this creed applies to all of us in the spa industry. Since most spa personnel are not trained in the medi-
START CENTER
n Te START Center for Cancer Care is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, US, but consists of eight other sites in
the city and across south Texas n It offers a range of clinical care for cancer patients including chemotherapy, state of the art radiation
therapy and hormonal therapy n Tere is also focus on wellness with the Inspiritas cancer care spa and DIVA exercise and nutrition programme
cal sciences, however, constant contact with partnering physicians would be vital. In addition to carefully choosing organic
products, for example, deep thought must be given to the type of massage offered. At Inspiritas, all massage therapists employed hold a certification in oncology massage. Tey know that while massage is a great stress and pain reliever, pressure has to be modulated if patients have bone cancer to prevent injury. In some cases, such as lymphedema, massage should be avoided altogether. Tis is a condition which causes swelling of the arm that may occur aſter sur- gery or as a result of the cancer; this swelling can be made permanent by massage. Great care would also need to be taken
over prescribing dietary and nutritional sup- plements. While supplements are popular at spas, they can oſten interfere with cancer therapies and decrease the efficacy of many cancer drugs. It would be vital to seek med- ical assistance with this.
48 Read Spa Business online
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n Te centre is home to a team of 30 physicians who focus on a combination of customised, streamlined cancer treatment with groundbreaking,
accelerated drug developments n One of the largest phase 1 clinical trial programmes on cancer in the US is underway at the START Center. As part of the trial, more than 40 promising new drugs are currently being tested for the first time on patients
It would benefit the spa industry to sup-
port the Inspiritas concept. Another crusade it should embrace – is encouraging insur- ance companies to help support these wonderful healing experiences. How else might the spa community
help fight this debilitating disease? We are known for our preventive stance. We know that obesity, lack of exercise, alcohol, smok- ing, poor diet and other lifestyle factors may encourage cancer growth – especially as we age. Spas can work with exercise physiolo- gists and registered dietitians, who can in turn help their staff and clients to develop lifestyle habits which strongly reduce the risk factors for cancer. Spas could also remind their own guests regarding early detection. Of course the idea is that people should
never have to experience cancer in the first place – yet none of us are untouched by the malady. Almost all of us have friends or fam- ily who need our support and our knowledge to reduce risk factors. l
SPA BUSINESS 2 2011 ©Cybertrek 2011
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