Beauty - Treating Cancer Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reboot, recharge, refresh
understand the dos and don’ts and can offer your professional advice.
Myth busting… So why exactly is it such a taboo subject?
There has always been an uncertainty as to whether or not it is safe to massage a client with cancer. Some believe that a massage can move cancer cells around the body, causing them to circulate more rapidly. However, there is no scientific proof to support this.
Samantha Willis looks after the partnership between Dermalogica and Look Good Feel Better, a charity offering hair and beauty tips for women undergoing cancer treatments. She says: “From our own experiences we have learnt that there are no set rules when it comes to offering treatments to someone suffering from cancer. The side effects of the cancer treatment will vary greatly from person to person and the changes they notice to their hair and skin will also differ from redness, rashes, itching, peeling, dryness and even Acne.
“It’s important not to push a client into any treatment they are not comfortable with, a simple hand or foot massage might be all they feel they [can] cope with on that particular day but this will give you a chance to get to know the client
better and understand how the treatment is affecting them.”
You could also discuss therapies with your client’s doctor. You will be able to get more of an understanding of exactly how their cancer journey has been so far, and you will then be able to adapt your treatment – whether it be a massage, manicure, facial or other – to the doctors’ recommendations.
Perhaps there will always be a stigma surrounding the topic, but the good news is, certain Spas are beginning to change their attitude and approach.
Christine Clinton is a massage and skin care specialist, educator, and Spa entrepreneur who launched the Christine Clinton Cancer Care program after her father was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Using her industry knowledge, she has trained a number of Spas in Ireland in how to modify protocols to accommodate clients living with cancer.
The program consists of offering treatments and products to clients who are affected by the disease; a popular treatment being a blend of oncology massage, reflexology and facials which can be experienced before, during or after a client’s programme of Chemotherapy or Radiation treatments.
Spas may also use specialised skin care products from the Lindi Skin line, which
have all been designed to soothe and benefit the skin compromised by Chemotherapy and Radiation.
When approaching a client with cancer, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. You may have a client who is emotional, and wants to discuss their condition with someone who isn’t a doctor or family member. Alternatively, you may have a client who doesn’t want to discuss it at all, seeing their Spa time as a moment to forget everything.
This is the reason why a prior consultation is key. It will help you get to know your client and the specifics of their cancer; ensure that they lead the way with any conversation. Although it’s important to ask how they are feeling, and to check that they’re comfortable, it’s also important to not be too intrusive.
Contraindications Naturally, when treating a patient with cancer, there follows a lot of contraindications, and so a thorough consultation is key. There are many potential dangers when carrying out treatments, so understanding everything there is to know about your client’s condition is really important.
Treatments such a permanent make-up, skin peels and waxing all have the potential to break the skin, and can cause side effects such as burning or bruising, which will take a longer time to heal if the client is taking specific medications, going through Chemotherapy, or experiencing other illnesses due to a low immune system.
Any records you have on your client should include medical health forms detailing all the information a therapist needs to treat them. This will clarify their current condition along with any medications they’re taking and treatments they may be having.
Using gentle strokes in your massage will enable your client to fully relax. Image: ©
iStock.com/dolgachov
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Treatments Thankfully, there are so many treatments you can offer your client that can help them along in their cancer journey; something as simple as getting a manicure could brighten up their day. It’s vital that you understand what products
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