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

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 pilots
How seat position in the cockpit correlates with skin cancer location on the body
The myth that cockpit windows provide UV protection
Changing sun safety habits among a new generation of pilots
Cosmic radiation at altitude and emerging cancer concerns for flight crews
Overview of Scott's skin cancer diagnoses and treatment timeline
Discovery of squamous cell carcinoma in the white of the eye
Mohs surgery experience on the face and arm
The psychological toll of skin cancer treatment
Fear of losing FAA medical certification and career
The FAA's evolving position on pilot sun protection
Why skin cancer deserves to be taken as seriously as other cancers
Recovery, body image, and healing from facial surgery
Lifelong monitoring, interferon eye drops, and ongoing FAA compliance
Gaps in pre-procedure education and healing expectations
Post-diagnosis skin care and the value of regular dermatology follow-up
The role of an esthetician spouse in awareness and referral habits
Advice for pilots who have not yet addressed skin cancer risk

View extended shownotes here

To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.org

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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 practice
Recognizing and documenting suspicious lesions over time
Common gaps in foundational skin cancer education for estheticians
Sunscreen myths, reapplication, and the vitamin D conversion balance
FAMMM syndrome and mole count as melanoma risk indicators
Skin pigmentation changes related to immunotherapy and targeted melanoma drugs
Immunosuppression and increased skin cancer risk
Lesser known UV exposure sources, including gel manicure lamps and tanning beds
Lifestyle and occupational sun exposure history
Mole mapping, intake forms, and referral practices
Detecting skin cancer in clients with darker skin tones
Skincare approach for clients in active cancer treatment
Advocacy for fair compensation in oncology aesthetics

View extended shownotes here

To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.org

Follow 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 videos
Twitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / Twitter
LinkedIn: 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 LEARN
Why the lymphatic system is widely misunderstood in both medicine and massage therapy
The truth behind “detox” and what the lymphatic system actually does
Common myths clinicians believe about lymphatic drainage
The difference between general massage and true manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
How subtle techniques can create meaningful clinical outcomes
Why education is essential for building confidence in this work

🔹 ABOUT THE GUEST
Nicola 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.org

Follow 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 videos
Twitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / Twitter
LinkedIn: 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 the
2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit.

🔹 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Why scars hold both physical and personal meaning
The biggest myths about fibrosis — and what the science actually supports
Why “breaking up scar tissue” is an outdated concept
How to approach scar work with curiosity instead of assumption
The role of listening and therapeutic alliance in effective care

🔹 ABOUT THE GUEST
Catherine 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.org

Follow 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 videos
Twitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / Twitter
LinkedIn: 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 LEARN
Why head and neck cancer is one of the most complex areas to treat
Common fears clinicians have — and what the evidence actually says
How manual therapy can improve quality of life in meaningful ways
The importance of understanding contraindications and clinical reasoning
How confidence and collaboration can move the field forward

🔹 ABOUT THE GUEST
Holly 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 SERIES
New episodes are released weekly leading up to the summit.
👉 Follow the series on your favorite podcast platform
👉 Or explore more at S4OM.org

Subscribe 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.org

Follow 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 videos
Twitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / Twitter
LinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn