Collaborative Connections Podcast | Conversations on Cancer Care for Oncology Massage Therapists & Estheticians

Recommended EpisodesEp. 8 - Lymphedema and Lipedema with Kathleen LissonEp. 17 - Post-Breast Reconstruction and MLD with Kathleen LissonEp. 16 - Effective Collaboration in Cancer Care with Janet Penny and Rebecca Sturgeon In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Kathleen Lisson speaks with Dr. Joseph Caprini, a vascular surgeon with a long career in the study and prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the developer of the widely used Caprini Risk Score. This episode is part of A Petite Series, a set of short-form conversations within the Collaborative Connections Podcast. Dr. Caprini explains why people living with cancer face a higher risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, and why clot prevention matters for clients who are in active treatment or living well during survivorship.Dr. Caprini walks through the periods when risk is highest, how cancer type and spread affect risk, and how treatments, surgery, hospital stays, ports and PICC lines, and personal factors add to it. He introduces the Khorana score used by oncology teams and the free, patient-friendly Caprini Risk Score tool, and makes clear that risk scoring and anticoagulation decisions belong to the oncology team, not the massage therapist. The therapist's role is to ask informed intake questions, recognize when a client may be at increased risk, and encourage them to discuss it with their doctors. The conversation closes on the value of collecting family history before a medical emergency, and on why oncology massage therapists, who spend extended time with clients in survivorship, are well placed to share this health message.Topics Discussed in this Episode:Why cancer increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)High-risk windows during diagnosis, treatment, and survivorshipCancer types, treatments, and personal factors that raise clot riskThe Khorana score and the Caprini Risk ScoreThe massage therapist's role: intake, awareness, and referralFamily history as an often-missed risk factorView extended shownotes hereTo learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.orgFollow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / TwitterLinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

Recommended EpisodesEp. 9 - Skin Care for Cancer Patients with Becky KuehnEp. 2 - Standards in Oncology Massage Education with Mary Aguilera-TitusEp. 7 - Education is Power with Davonna WillisIn this episode of Collaborative Connections, host TC Luisi speaks with Eva Stasce, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, beauty entrepreneur, and host of The Beauty Ritual Podcast. With more than 15 years in the beauty industry, Eva has worked with clients during cancer treatment, recovery, and survivorship, many of whom came to her through referrals from existing clients. This episode is part of A Petite Series, a set of short-form conversations within the Collaborative Connections Podcast. It looks at hair care as part of supportive care, and at how empathy, listening, and holding space shape the client experience when hair loss and physical changes are part of the cancer journey.Eva shares why she lets each client lead the conversation and how she supports different choices around hair loss, from cold capping, to shaving the head, to waiting and adjusting the haircut over time. She explains why small acts of self-care can offer a sense of agency during a stressful time, and describes a gentle approach to hair and scalp care during treatment: plenty of moisture, minimal heat and tension, simple product formulations, and extra caution with color. She also talks about texture and color changes as hair grows back and the value of referring clients to a dermatologist or trichologist when new concerns come up. The episode closes with a discussion of the gap in oncology education for hairstylists and why cosmetology training could address both the technical and emotional sides of working with clients affected by cancer.Topics Discussed in this Episode:Hair care for clients during cancer treatment and recoveryEmpathy, listening, and client-led consultationsSupporting choices around hair loss, cold capping, and shaving the headGentle hair and scalp care: moisture, heat, tension, and product choicesHair texture and color changes in survivorshipOncology education for hairstylists and cosmetology trainingView extended shownotes hereTo learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.orgFollow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / TwitterLinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

Recommended EpisodesEp. 21 - Skin Cancer Awareness for Estheticians with Morag CurrinEp. 22 - Skin Cancer in the Cockpit with Scott White: A survivor's firsthand experience with Mohs surgery, healing, and recovery.Summit Series Episode - Scars, Fibrosis, and Rethinking "Fixing" with Cathy Ryan ([URL]): A manual therapy perspective on scar tissue and fibrosis.In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton speaks with Allyson O'Brien, a clinical esthetician with more than 20 years of experience, board-certified nutritionist, and educator with Oncology Training International. This episode is part of the podcast's skin cancer awareness series, and it focuses on what happens after the skin cancer is removed. Allyson specializes in scar revision following skin cancer surgery, including Mohs procedures, and shares how she first discovered oncology aesthetics, what the first conversation with a new client looks like, and why building trust and explaining the process in plain language is central to her work.Allyson walks through her approach step by step: supporting the skin with gentle, moisture-focused and antioxidant-rich care once stitches are removed, introducing gentle peels around the four to six week mark, and adding microneedling when appropriate, typically two to three months after surgery or later depending on the client and the surgeon's guidance. She discusses contraindications for microneedling, the importance of scanning the skin and referring clients back to their medical team when something looks concerning, and staying within scope of practice. The episode closes with a conversation about raising awareness of oncology aesthetics within hospitals and cancer centers, and what Allyson wants every person living with a new scar to know about healing.Topics Discussed in this Episode:Scar revision after skin cancer surgery and Mohs proceduresHow peels and microneedling support post-surgical scar tissueRealistic healing timelines and when to begin treatmentContraindications and safety considerations for microneedlingCommunicating with clients and coordinating with surgeons and oncology teamsBuilding awareness and referral pathways for oncology aestheticsView Extended shownotes hereTo learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.orgFollow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / TwitterLinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton speaks with Scott White, a 61-year-old airline pilot with 38 years of flying experience and a skin cancer survivor. This is the first episode in the podcast's skin cancer awareness series, and Scott's story offers a unique and often overlooked perspective on UV exposure risk. Having spent 28 of his 38 flying years in the right seat of the aircraft, Scott began connecting the dots when pre-cancerous areas and diagnosed cancers appeared almost exclusively on the right side of his body. He shares what pilots were told about cockpit window protection, why that turned out to be incorrect, and how a new generation of pilots is beginning to take sun safety seriously.Scott also opens up about his diagnoses, including basal cell carcinoma on his right arm, squamous cell carcinoma requiring two Mohs procedures on his right cheek totaling more than 60 stitches, and a squamous cell carcinoma discovered in the white of his right eye. He discusses the psychological weight of treatment, the fear of losing his FAA medical certificate and his career, and what the healing process actually looked like compared to what he was told to expect. The episode closes with Scott's advice to fellow pilots and a candid conversation about how his wife, an esthetician, has shaped both his awareness and his daily skin care habits.Topics Discussed in this Episode:Occupational UV exposure risk for airline pilotsHow seat position in the cockpit correlates with skin cancer location on the bodyThe myth that cockpit windows provide UV protectionChanging sun safety habits among a new generation of pilotsCosmic radiation at altitude and emerging cancer concerns for flight crewsOverview of Scott's skin cancer diagnoses and treatment timelineDiscovery of squamous cell carcinoma in the white of the eyeMohs surgery experience on the face and armThe psychological toll of skin cancer treatmentFear of losing FAA medical certification and careerThe FAA's evolving position on pilot sun protectionWhy skin cancer deserves to be taken as seriously as other cancersRecovery, body image, and healing from facial surgeryLifelong monitoring, interferon eye drops, and ongoing FAA complianceGaps in pre-procedure education and healing expectationsPost-diagnosis skin care and the value of regular dermatology follow-upThe role of an esthetician spouse in awareness and referral habitsAdvice for pilots who have not yet addressed skin cancer riskView extended shownotes hereTo learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.orgFollow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / TwitterLinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Erica Clinton speaks with Morag Currin, oncology aesthetician, educator, and S4OM board member, about the role estheticians play in early skin cancer detection. With more than 30 years in practice and as the founder of The Soul Silo, Morag has pioneered oncology aesthetics education since 2007. She discusses why estheticians are often positioned to notice changes in the skin before a dermatologist ever sees a client, how to identify benign versus suspicious lesions, and the importance of consistent client communication and documentation.The conversation also covers melanoma risk factors including FAMMM syndrome and mole count, the impact of certain cancer treatment drugs on skin pigmentation, lesser known sources of UV exposure, and the unique considerations for detecting skin cancer in clients with darker skin tones. Morag closes with a candid discussion on fair compensation for oncology aesthetics services and what she wants every new esthetician to understand about preparing to serve clients navigating skin cancer.Topics Discussed here:Why skin cancer awareness belongs in the esthetician's scope of practiceRecognizing and documenting suspicious lesions over timeCommon gaps in foundational skin cancer education for estheticiansSunscreen myths, reapplication, and the vitamin D conversion balanceFAMMM syndrome and mole count as melanoma risk indicatorsSkin pigmentation changes related to immunotherapy and targeted melanoma drugsImmunosuppression and increased skin cancer riskLesser known UV exposure sources, including gel manicure lamps and tanning bedsLifestyle and occupational sun exposure historyMole mapping, intake forms, and referral practicesDetecting skin cancer in clients with darker skin tonesSkincare approach for clients in active cancer treatmentAdvocacy for fair compensation in oncology aestheticsView extended shownotes hereTo learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.orgFollow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / TwitterLinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

What if everything you thought you knew about the lymphatic system… wasn’t quite right?In this episode of the Healing Summit Speaker Series, we sit down with Nicola McGill to explore the misconceptions surrounding lymphatics, the subtle power of manual lymphatic drainage, and why education is the key to clinical confidence.This conversation offers a glimpse into her upcoming session at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit.🔹 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNWhy the lymphatic system is widely misunderstood in both medicine and massage therapyThe truth behind “detox” and what the lymphatic system actually doesCommon myths clinicians believe about lymphatic drainageThe difference between general massage and true manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)How subtle techniques can create meaningful clinical outcomesWhy education is essential for building confidence in this work🔹 ABOUT THE GUESTNicola McGill, LLSA, LMT, CLT-LANA, is a clinician and educator with over 30 years of experience in manual lymphatic drainage and oncology care. She is known for helping practitioners deepen their understanding of the lymphatic system and apply precise, effective techniques that support patients with complex conditions.🔹 CONNECT TO SUMMIT (CTA)This conversation continues at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit🗓 April 26, 2026 🕐 1:00–7:30 PM ET👉 Explore the full summit + agenda: https://www.s4om.org/education/virtual-in-person-summits/2026-oncology-massage-esthetics-healing-summit/To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.orgFollow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / TwitterLinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

What if scars aren’t something to “fix” — but something to understand?In this episode of the Healing Summit Speaker Series, we sit down with Catherine Ryan to explore the story scars tell, the science of fibrosis, and why shifting from fixing to listening can transform clinical outcomes.This conversation offers a glimpse into her upcoming session at the2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit.🔹 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNWhy scars hold both physical and personal meaningThe biggest myths about fibrosis — and what the science actually supportsWhy “breaking up scar tissue” is an outdated conceptHow to approach scar work with curiosity instead of assumptionThe role of listening and therapeutic alliance in effective care🔹 ABOUT THE GUESTCatherine Ryan is an educator, researcher, and manual therapist known for her work in scar tissue and post-surgical care. She brings a science-informed, patient-centered approach to manual therapy, helping clinicians rethink long-held assumptions and deepen their clinical reasoning.🔹 CONNECT TO SUMMIT (CTA)This conversation continues at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit🗓 April 26, 2026🕐 1:00–7:30 PM ET👉 Explore the full summit + agenda:https://www.s4om.org/education/virtual-in-person-summits/2026-oncology-massage-esthetics-healing-summit/To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.orgFollow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / TwitterLinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

What if the areas clinicians are most afraid to treat are the ones that could benefit the most from skilled, informed touch?In this episode of the Healing Summit Speaker Series, we sit down with Holly McMillan to explore the complexities of head and neck cancer care, the role of manual therapy, and how education can shift clinicians from fear to confidence.This conversation offers a glimpse into Holly’s upcoming session at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit.🔹 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNWhy head and neck cancer is one of the most complex areas to treatCommon fears clinicians have — and what the evidence actually saysHow manual therapy can improve quality of life in meaningful waysThe importance of understanding contraindications and clinical reasoningHow confidence and collaboration can move the field forward🔹 ABOUT THE GUESTHolly McMillan is a speech-language pathologist and massage therapist specializing in head and neck cancer care. Her work focuses on evidence-based, integrative approaches that improve function, reduce symptom burden, and support patients navigating complex oncology treatments.🔹 CONNECT TO SUMMIT (CTA)This conversation continues at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit🗓 April 26, 2026🕐 1:00–7:30 PM ET👉 Explore the full summit + agenda:https://www.s4om.org/education/virtual-in-person-summits/2026-oncology-massage-esthetics-healing-summit/🔹 LISTEN TO MORE IN THE SERIESNew episodes are released weekly leading up to the summit.👉 Follow the series on your favorite podcast platform👉 Or explore more at S4OM.orgSubscribe for more conversations in oncology massage & esthetics and follow the full Healing Summit Speaker Series.To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.orgFollow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / TwitterLinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

What does it take to build a sustainable, compassionate practice in oncology massage — not just for clients, but for practitioners too?In this special Healing Summit Speaker Series episode, we sit down with Cara Thurman to explore the power of collaboration, the importance of support systems in clinical work, and what it really looks like to integrate massage therapy into healthcare settings.This conversation is part of our lead-up to the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit. 🔹 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNHow personal health experiences can shape a career in oncology careWhy collaboration is essential for sustainability in this workThe emotional and professional realities of working with medically fragile clientsWhat intentional support looks like inside a clinical practiceHow advocacy is evolving within the massage therapy profession🔹 ABOUT THE GUESTCara Thurman is the founder of Vinings Massage and Wellness in Atlanta and an NCBTMB-certified educator in oncology massage therapy. She has built programs that integrate massage into hospital systems and works to create sustainable, supportive environments for therapists in clinical settings.🔹 CONNECT TO SUMMIT This conversation continues at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit🗓 April 26, 2026🕐 1:00–7:30 PM ET👉 Explore the full summit + agenda:https://www.s4om.org/education/virtual-in-person-summits/2026-oncology-massage-esthetics-healing-summit/To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.orgFollow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / TwitterLinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

What role does mindful awareness play in how we support the body through cancer care?In this special Healing Summit Speaker Series episode, we sit down with Cynthia Price to explore how interoceptive awareness can deepen clinical practice, support healing, and transform the way we show up for our clients.This conversation is part of our lead-up to the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit.🔹 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNWhat interoceptive awareness is — and why it matters in body-oriented therapiesHow mindfulness can support clients navigating cancer and recoveryPractical ways to integrate awareness-based approaches into your sessionsThe connection between presence, regulation, and therapeutic outcomes🔹 ABOUT THE GUESTCynthia Price, PhD, MA, LMT, is a researcher, educator, and massage therapist known for her work in interoceptive awareness and body-oriented therapies. Her research focuses on the role of mindfulness and body awareness in health, healing, and clinical outcomes.🔹 CONNECT TO SUMMIT (CTA)This conversation continues at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit🗓 April 26, 2026🕐 1:00–7:30 PM ET👉 Explore the full summit + agenda:https://www.s4om.org/education/virtual-in-person-summits/2026-oncology-massage-esthetics-healing-summit/🔹 LISTEN TO MORE IN THE SERIESNew episodes are released weekly leading up to the summit.👉 Follow the series on your favorite podcast platform👉 Or explore more at S4OM.orgTo learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.orgFollow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / TwitterLinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn