Innovative Leaders Revolutionizing Cancer Care.

Discover the dedicated women driving change to make spa and wellness treatments an essential resource for enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by cancer.

Navigating a cancer diagnosis requires immense resilience and courage. This journey is often filled with a mix of uncertainty, hope, and an unwavering commitment to wellness. With the American Cancer Society forecasting over 2 million new cancer cases in the United States by 2024 and nearly 18.1 million affected globally in 2020, the need for supportive care that goes beyond traditional medical treatments has never been more urgent. The importance of holistic approaches in cancer care is becoming increasingly recognized.

Touch, community support, and positive experiences can be profoundly transformative for individuals facing cancer. Acknowledging this, influential figures in the wellness and hospitality sectors are advocating for greater awareness and education, urging spas and resorts to develop customized treatments tailored to the unique needs of cancer patients. Significant advancements have been made, such as the establishment of comprehensive training programs for therapists and the introduction of non-toxic skincare brands. However, there is still considerable work to be done.

The overarching goal is to equip those affected by cancer with resources that facilitate moments of relaxation in any spa environment, allowing them to benefit from the therapeutic effects of hands-on therapy. Such treatments can significantly reduce anxiety and depression, while also boosting immune function, helping patients feel genuinely cared for. Four pioneering women leading this mission share their insights, personal narratives, and aspirations for providing comfort and healing to those in need.

SUE HARMSWORTH, the visionary founder of ESPA, has been a transformative force in the global spa and wellness industry for over fifty years. As she observed the rising incidence of cancer and the unmet needs of patients within her field, she recognized the healing potential of touch. In response, she established the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) in the UK in 2020. This accreditation ensures that cancer patients have access to safe, qualified massage therapy services from the time of diagnosis onward.

The Critical Need for SATCC Accreditation

“During my tenure with ESPA, which operates 600 spas across 60 countries, I noticed a troubling trend: many spas were refusing service to individuals with cancer. With statistics indicating that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in the UK during their lifetime, paired with widespread misconceptions about massage therapy, it became clear that a significant gap in care existed. It was essential to dispel the myths surrounding massage and cancer and to provide extensive training for professionals in the field. We now maintain a comprehensive database of over 200 trained spas and salons, serving as a vital resource for patients seeking care.

Transformative Impact on Patients and Therapists Alike

“Therapists trained under the SATCC don’t just enhance the physical well-being of those undergoing treatment; they also rejuvenate their spirit. Consider the emotional turmoil of seeking solace at a spa only to be turned away. Many patients report feeling human again after receiving care tailored to their needs. The program has also fostered a ripple effect within the industry, leading therapists to develop greater empathy and skill, enabling them to cater to a broader spectrum of health challenges among their clientele.

Integrating Fitness and Nutrition into Cancer Care

“We are gaining a deeper understanding of the advantages of incorporating fitness and movement into prehabilitation and rehabilitation programs to build muscle strength, facilitating quicker recovery from cancer treatments. However, fitness trainers often grapple with the same fears of working with patients due to a lack of knowledge regarding their medical needs. Additionally, they may feel unsure about how to approach clients with physical changes, such as scars or hair loss. My ambition is to unify fitness, nutrition, and therapy training so that cancer patients can benefit from a comprehensive wellness program.

Emphasizing Preventive Health Measures

“There is an urgent need to shift the focus of spas and resorts toward proactive health maintenance through massage, facials, nutrition, and exercise. These elements are vital in combating disease. The vision is to make therapeutic and preventive treatments a routine aspect of everyone’s life. The spa industry has the potential to evolve and modernize, playing a significant role in supporting holistic health and wellness tailored to today’s societal needs.”

JOSANNA GAITHER is passionately leading the U.S. expansion of the Oncology Skin Care Program, an initiative from the Ricardo Fisas Natura Bissé Foundation in Barcelona. This program is designed to provide specialized skincare for individuals whose skin may be adversely affected by cancer treatments. As the U.S. program develops, it aims to replicate the remarkable success of its international counterpart, which has trained over 1,600 aestheticians and delivered over 12,000 treatments. Gaither is committed to offering unparalleled support and care to those confronting cancer through expert guidance infused with a personal touch.

Becoming the Go-To Resource for Cancer Patients

“Our program equips professionals to perform skincare treatments for anyone with cancer in both hospital and spa settings. We’ve intentionally made the training costs for aestheticians very affordable to eliminate financial barriers for participation. However, we offer much more than training; we also serve as a vital resource for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, providing virtual consultations and tailored self-care guidance specifically designed for cancer patients, all at no cost.

The Importance of Skincare in Cancer Treatment

“Effectively managing the side effects of medical treatments is crucial. If a patient’s skin barrier becomes compromised due to radiation burns or dermatitis, healthcare providers may need to pause their treatment regimen. Additionally, if patients experience severe skin irritation, they may hesitate to attend their next appointment. Our skincare line is specifically formulated to fortify skin before radiation and assist in its recovery afterward. This ensures that patients not only feel comfortable, but can also continue with their prescribed medical plans. Quality skincare can improve sleep quality as well, as patients may no longer awaken feeling dry and itchy, which is essential for overall well-being.

Empowering Patients Through Holistic Healing

“The feedback from our patients has been incredibly impactful. Improvements in their skin conditions lead to increased confidence and a deeper understanding of self-care. Having even a small sense of control over their body during such a challenging time is profoundly empowering. This mindset is crucial for the healing process.

Expanding to Include Hair Training for Comprehensive Care

“Recognizing the profound impact of hair loss on cancer patients, we are expanding our educational offerings to include training for hair and makeup professionals. Our aim is to directly address one of the most immediate fears upon diagnosis: ‘What will I do about my hair?’ By educating professionals on these specific needs, we hope to alleviate this fear and provide practical solutions for those affected.”

“Resorts must be sensitive in their communication with individuals. We must stop categorizing certain spa services as ‘cancer treatments.’ Those touched by cancer are individuals just like anyone else.”

—Julie Bach

JULIE BACH, a pioneering integrative therapist, has set a new standard in supportive care by founding Wellness for Cancer, a charitable organization that trains a diverse array of professionals—including massage therapists, facialists, yoga instructors, and health coaches—to provide expert and customized treatments in premier hotels, spas, and cancer facilities. To achieve this, Bach has formed exclusive partnerships with leading hospitality brands like Six Senses Spas and COMO Shambhala, as well as esteemed skincare companies including Biologique Recherche. She has also developed a comprehensive directory of select properties across 64 countries, simplifying the process for individuals affected by cancer to access essential services.

The Power of Language in Spa Services

“It is crucial for resorts to be mindful of their language when communicating with guests. We must eliminate the labeling of certain spa treatments as ‘cancer treatment.’ Individuals impacted by cancer are just like anyone else and do not want to be defined solely by their illness. I strive to prevent anyone from encountering a lengthy spa menu only to be told they qualify for just a couple of services. Almost all treatments can be customized to suit individual needs. We encourage our clients to utilize a symbol, such as a purple ribbon, accompanied by a simple message: ‘Our therapists are trained to adapt your service to accommodate various conditions.’

Holistic Wellness Beyond Spa Treatments

“The wellness journey of our industry is continually evolving, which is truly inspiring. From the outset, I envisioned individuals embarking on transformative retreats focused on healing and personal growth. I am currently collaborating with wellness centers to incorporate adventurous activities such as white-water rafting, zip-lining, and mountain hiking, all designed to instill a sense of excitement and wonder, while ensuring safety for those affected by cancer. This reflects our commitment to enhancing understanding and meeting the needs of cancer patients, and I am genuinely excited about this progress!

Empowering Cancer Patients to Travel with Confidence

“Another of my primary goals is to empower individuals on their wellness journeys to travel confidently, knowing they can do so safely. We are focused on creating partnerships with trained travel agents and wellness destinations that can assist patients in navigating their travel options. This initiative includes comprehensive training for resort staff, from receptionists to chefs, ensuring a thoughtful and holistic approach to wellness travel that seamlessly integrates spa treatments, physical activity, restful sleep, and enriching experiences for those living with cancer.”

KAREN BALLOU experienced a profound shift in her life in the midst of a successful career as a beauty executive, master esthetician, and product formulator when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The effects of chemotherapy on her skin revealed the critical importance of skin immunity and the necessity for toxic-free products. This awakening led Ballou to establish Immunocologie, a skincare line dedicated to enhancing the skin’s natural defenses through mineral-rich formulations that specifically address the needs of cancer patients. Recently, Immunocologie has partnered with Blue Zones to further their shared commitment to promoting longevity and well-being.

Harnessing the Power of Unique Ingredients for Skin Health

“When I received my diagnosis, I had been collaborating with a French ethnobotanist to investigate the benefits of local green clay. Its remarkable antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties motivated me to incorporate the extracted mineral water into my skincare regimen and to drink it. This mineral water became vital for my comfort and recovery—chemotherapy can be harsh on the esophagus, and consuming the water alleviated my discomfort as well as the dryness and irritation of my skin. Today, this mineral water is a core ingredient in every product we offer.

A Revelation About Skin Care Ingredients

“My experience prompted me to critically examine the harmful substances present in many skincare products, and I found it alarming. The skin is our largest organ, and yet we often cover it with potentially toxic ingredients. This cycle must be broken. I aimed to create a clean and healing line that those battling cancer can trust implicitly, especially during such a vulnerable period in their lives. Having personally dealt with cancer, I understand the issues related to a compromised skin microbiome due to treatments, including sensitivity, dryness, and thinning skin. Our product line offers a straightforward skincare protocol designed to address these challenges while enhancing the skin’s appearance, because everyone deserves to look and feel beautiful, regardless of their health status. It is essential that we utilize products that support both the body’s internal processes and external health, particularly for cancer patients, who must be well-informed about the ingredients they put on their skin.

The Journey of Advocacy and Education Continues

“I frequently engage with individuals facing cancer, and my goal is to raise awareness about the importance of choosing quality ingredients to prevent reverting to harmful products post-treatment. Looking ahead, I envision expanding our efforts into hospitals to provide essential care kits for patients. Ultimately, I advocate for healthier skincare choices and a deeper understanding of the profound connection between skin health and overall well-being.”

“I engage with individuals facing cancer on a regular basis and my mission is to encourage more patients to become knowledgeable about beneficial ingredients to prevent their return to harmful products following span treatments.”

—Karen Ballou