October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s important to shine a spotlight on the toll the disease can take on the body. Not only does a diagnosed patient have to deal with the psychological and physical effects of the cancer, they may also have side effects as they undergo treatment. Estheticians can be of great service to oncology patients and help ease a breast cancer patient’s burden.
Role of Oncology Esthetics
Oncology esthetics is an essential part of making sure the breast cancer patient gets the highest level of care possible. Although radiation and chemotherapy are effective at targeting cancer cells, the treatments can lead to many harsh side effects. Unfortunately, one of the most common side effects is sensitive, itchy skin. Patients may also have patches of dry skin and find the skin easily flakes off. Through oncology esthetics training, clinicians learn the techniques to best ease the patient’s extreme discomfort.
Heal and Support Damaged Skin
As part of an oncology esthetician’s training, you’ll learn what products are appropriate for use on a breast cancer patient. The goal is to incorporate products with all-natural ingredients that won’t react harshly with the skin. You will learn about different botanicals and their natural healing properties. Patient specific needs are addressed during a session with an esthetician. Aggressive facial treatments are avoided as the focus is to restore skin while easing any swelling, dryness, and itching. Estheticians who work with oncology patients must be comfortable working side by side with the patient’s medical team in order to ensure there’s no interference with medical protocols.
Skincare Goals
What an esthetician looks to accomplish with a breast cancer patient is to restore her skin to its natural state. After going through treatments, the last thing she needs to worry about is feeling uncomfortable in her own skin. Another treatment goal is to provide a relaxing and soothing atmosphere for the patient. Getting a facial should feel like a treat, especially in the midst of a barrage of doctor appointments. As the skin is massaged, the patient will feel relaxed and hopefully rest her body and mind. Her confidence is likely to improve since she will like the improvement in the feel and look of her skin. While their doctors are treating the disease, the esthetician is treating the person.
Breast cancer patients can connect with estheticians through organizations like the World of Pink. The World of Pink’s mission is to provide aftercare assistance to breast cancer survivors. They also hold fundraising events like the World of Pink Fall Fashion Show where they receive help with volunteers from the New York Institute of Beauty.
If getting involved in this type of career sounds like something that would fulfill you, give New York Institute of Beauty a call at (631) 582 4737 to learn more about their New York State Esthetics licensing program.
