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.

• 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

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.

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.

• 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

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.

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/

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

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 interoceptive awareness is — and why it matters in body-oriented therapies
• How mindfulness can support clients navigating cancer and recovery
• Practical ways to integrate awareness-based approaches into your sessions
• The connection between presence, regulation, and therapeutic outcomes

Cynthia 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.

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/

New episodes are released weekly leading up to the summit.

👉 Follow the series on your favorite podcast platform

👉 Or explore more at S4OM.org

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

Imagine being able to feel tissue changes caused by radiation therapy—without seeing the patient or knowing their medical history. That is exactly what today’s guest, Holly McMillan, M.C.D., CCC-SLP, LMP, CLT, demonstrated in her groundbreaking research collaboration with Dr. Geoff Bove at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

In this episode, Holly shares her extraordinary journey from licensed massage therapist to Senior Research Speech Language Pathologist and Co-Director of the Trismus Clinic at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She discusses her expertise in fibrosis, lymphedema management, and head and neck cancer rehabilitation, and why manual therapy is emerging as a critical tool in oncology survivorship. As a doctoral candidate and NIH-funded clinical trial collaborator, Holly is at the forefront of evidence-based approaches that integrate touch, research, and patient empowerment.

Listeners will hear insights from Holly’s recently published studies, including safety and feasibility findings on manual therapy in head and neck cancer, and her remarkable work showing that trained therapists can palpate physiologic tissue changes after radiation—even under blinded conditions. This episode uncovers the science behind what oncology massage therapists have long known: the hands can detect what machines cannot, and healing begins with informed touch.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• The clinical value of manual therapy in head and neck cancer rehabilitation
• How radiation affects tissue structure, lymphatics, and healing
• Blinded research findings on palpating irradiated tissue
• Empowering patients through at-home fibrosis and lymphedema protocols
• Intraoral manual therapy: safety, lubrication, and function restoration
• Debunking the myth that mature scars cannot change

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

Discover how oncology massage and palliative care are transforming patient well-being in Italy—and why these healing therapies may change lives worldwide. In this inspiring episode of Collaborative Connections, host Ericka Clinton sits down with Daniela Panzeri, Italy’s sole regional champion for the Society for Oncology Massage, to explore her groundbreaking work integrating massage therapy into hospice and palliative care settings.

Daniela shares her journey from the Netherlands to Italy, detailing her unique role as the only massage therapist across three hospices, and reveals how compassionate touch can bring profound comfort to patients facing cancer, dementia, and chronic illness. You’ll learn about the collaborative power of combining oncology massage with music therapy, how Daniela is bridging the gap between healthcare professions, and her mission to educate both practitioners and the public—including writing a powerful new book that captures moving patient stories.

If you’re passionate about holistic cancer care, integrative therapies, or seeking inspiration from real-world innovators making a difference, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and hope for the future of supportive care. Tune in to find out how one woman’s dedication is shaping a new standard of care in Italy and beyond!

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• Expanding oncology massage in Italy
• Integrative care for palliative patients
• Collaboration with oncology aesthetics professionals
• Sharing patient stories through literature
• Education and networking in oncology massage

Click here to view extended shownotes

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

In this episode of ‘Collaborative Connections,’ hosted by Ericka Clinton and sponsored by the Society for Oncology Massage and the Society for Oncology Esthetics, we feature Jill Cole, a licensed massage therapist and PhD candidate at the University of Kentucky.  

Jill shares her journey of becoming a PhD candidate in Rehabilitation and Health Science, focusing on her research in oncology massage, particularly a feasibility study she is conducting at the UK Healthcare Integrative Medicine and Health. She explains the crossover randomized control trial of massage therapy during cancer treatment and discusses the importance and challenges of touch therapy research.  

Throughout the conversation, Jill emphasizes the need for more biological and large-scale studies in the field and how empirical evidence can support the growth of the massage therapy profession. She highlights the collaborative nature of research and the critical role of massage therapists in advancing the profession through evidence-based practices.  

Topics discussed:  

• Innovative oncology massage research 
• Understanding the feasibility study framework 
• Effects of massage on pain and anxiety 
• Benefits of interdisciplinary PhD programs 
• Importance of touch therapy research 
• Research and growth in massage therapy 

Click here to read the extended shownotes

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