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

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

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 LEARN
How personal health experiences can shape a career in oncology care
Why collaboration is essential for sustainability in this work
The emotional and professional realities of working with medically fragile clients
What intentional support looks like inside a clinical practice
How advocacy is evolving within the massage therapy profession

🔹 ABOUT THE GUEST
Cara 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.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