What is Oncology Esthetics?
Oncology Esthetics involves advanced education that is designed to provide estheticians with the knowledge of how to modify spa treatments to insure a safe outcome for cancer clients. Each cancer patient has unique circumstances and they respond differently to cancer and or cancer treatments. Estheticians trained in oncology esthetics will seek to approach skincare with heightened levels of sensitivity to the condition of those affected by cancer and cancer treatments.
Why is Oncology Esthetics Important?
Many cancer survivors find that there self-image is affected as their appearance and body experience changes with the disease and treatments. Healing their skin can positively affect the psychology of a patient, helping to improve their self-image and confidence levels. Relaxation, comfort and touch are also an integral part of the healing process. Along with other practiced medical oncology treatments, skincare esthetics including personalized facials and body treatments relieve stress and pain of clients with cancer in a trauma-free practice and environment.
Responsibilities Involved with working with Cancer Patients
A client’s oncology treatment may influence the way skincare treatments are applied. Therefore, oncology estheticians are trained to ask significant questions, such as:
- Have any lymph nodes been removed, and where?
- Has skin pigmented due to chemotherapy/radiation?
- What medications is the patient on?
- Does the patient have phlebitis at the injection site?
- Does the patient have a port, and where is it located?
- Where is the patient’s immediate area of active radiation treatment?
- Is the patient currently under chemotherapy treatment or in remission?
A few months ago I completed a three-day oncology esthetic’s training seminar. I couldn’t imagine what more I would need to know about products and methods having been in the skincare industry for the past nine years. I was assuming that a facial on an active cancer patient would involve a lighter touch, products for sensitive skin and comforting. Not only was I taken back by how much new information I attained, I was also emotionally moved to have the opportunity to serve the clients. It was an eye opening overwhelming experience.