Cancer advocate charity Wellness for Cancer (WFC) has partnered with regional US spa associations to host a virtual training conference to provide free accredited oncology massage and aesthetics training.

Hosted on 4-5 October 2021, the Virtual Oncology Massage & Aesthetics Training Conference will be available to both the regional spa association’s member spas and non-members.

Content is being curated to enable therapists from around the world to learn from experts in the field on the main stage, participate in dedicated learning sessions and network with other attendees.

This year's theme “A Personalised Wellness Approach" will embrace topics for massage therapists and estheticians both in the spa and private practice settings.

Brent Bauer MD, director of integrative medicine at Mayo Clinic will keynote on the topic of ‘Wellness: from prevention to living with and well beyond cancer’.

He will be joined by a line-up of global medical cancer experts as well as oncology massage and aesthetics practitioners and trainers.

Attendees will be able to streamline their training and event experience by choosing one of the following three paths:

– Foundations: learn from oncologists and experts in oncology massage what cancer is, treatments and related side effects, and WFC Pillars to create A Personalized Wellness Approach for clients

– Massage: Designed for massage therapists working in spa environments dedicated to relaxation and restoration to support your clients through their cancer journey and beyond

– Aesthetics Track: For those working in spas, clinics or private practice settings with an emphasis on goal-oriented skincare to support recovery.

After this training, WFC claims attendees will be able to:

• Understand the different types of cancer treatments used today
• Provide personalised adjustments for any service without providing “the cancer massage or facial”
• Greater ability to refer to other practitioners and services provided at your center
• Recognise side effects from cancer treatment and be able to safely modify your session or refer
• Cultivate greater empathy versus sympathy for a client.

Julie Bach, WFC founder and industry figure, commented: “WFC and our medical faculty look forward to an engaging conference. What’s most important to me is that we’re making it easy and affordable for the industry to move forward.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to gift 700 spas the opportunity to better support their clients.”

WFC’s main goal is to replicate the experience and benefits of attending an in-person training conference without the expense, travel and environmental impact.

Individual ticket prices start at US$147 (€124, £107) each while full spa teams can attend for the group fee of US$350 (€295, £254).

To find out more information and registration details head to this link.

The virtual conference is made possible through the support of underwriting sponsors Biologique Recherche, Comfort Zone, Lemi and Phytomer, as well as mission partners Arizona Spa Association, Florida Spa Association, Mala and Mantra and Rocky Mountain Spa Association.