Diploma in Oncology Massage & Cancer Care

Course Structure

This three-day  Diploma in Oncology Massage & Cancer Care consists of 9 learning outcomes, detailed below, which will build upon the learner’s current knowledge and experience: –

• The Biology of Cancer – an understanding of what cancer is, how it grows and develops and how cancer is categorised, according to the tissue type affected. We will also study the risk factors associated with cancer development.
• Oncology terminology – this is highly relevant when discussing case history and intake forms for the consultation process
• How cancer is treated – we look closely at chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy amongst other common treatments, considering the ongoing development of new treatments as well.
• Cancer Surgery – one important aspect to consider are the short- and longer-term effects of surgery and clients often need massage intervention to help alleviate mobility issues and discomfort. The Fascial Network is vital to consider – we will discover….
  • The Fascial Network – its characteristics and composition – we will expand upon the makeup of the fascia, it’s characteristics and behaviour to better understand how we can utilise that knowledge to make a positive impact through our hands-on intervention and approach.
  • Models of movement & myofascial lines – here we will discuss muscle and movement, it’s relationship with fascia and how modern studies have changed our thought processes with regard to this fascia and body mechanics. We will discuss the connectivity of muscle, fascia and bone to enlighten our understanding of the body’s balance and the impact of disruption, leading to restricted movement and referred pain.
  • The body’s repair mechanism and the formation of scar tissue – to improve on restricted movement knowledge of the body’s method of repair will inform our treatment protocol.

• Side effects – long- and short-term effects of the treatments above, and the considerations a therapist needs to understand
• Lymphoedema – a knowledge of and an understanding of the development of this common side effect, associated with cancer treatment
• 6-Step Lymphatic Protocol – during the programme we will explore a 6-Step Lymphatic Support Protocol to ensure that we support this system, during massage
• Product Ingredients – what should be avoided during cancer treatment and what recommended and appropriate massage mediums and skincare are advised? – very relevant to spa services and beauty treatments
• Prevention of cancer and wellness education.

Supervised Practice

During the course programme, learners will develop their skills and confidence, with exposure to real life models, each of whom are on a cancer journey, and have volunteered to participate in the practical sessions.

Opportunities for further development

Students who wish to work with clients in post-surgery, reconstructive surgery and recovery, may enrol on our forthcoming diploma course, which advances their knowledge and skills, in order to assess, treat and provide homecare and rehabilitation service and advice.

Course Fees

Exam Details

• Learners will be continuously assessed throughout the course programme.
• We will be monitoring practical performance and the consultation process, using a detailed intake form for our volunteer clients.
• Learners will also be required to undertake a 25-question multiple choice exam paper for the theory element of this course.
• Supervised Practice – on day three, a treatment and an assessment on a real client, who will have a history of cancer and will be treated by the learners alongside a detailed intake form.

FAQs

Will I find the course upsetting?
Naturally, the subject matter involved is emotive and for some clients, their illness may mean that their life is likely to become shortened – some may even have a terminal diagnosis.

Additionally, some learners may have experienced the illness themselves, or have close friends or family members who have had or are currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

For some, this will bring up some memories or emotions and if meeting clients with cancer, is likely to upset you, we would suggest holding off until some time in the future perhaps.

What we can state is that many people with cancer, even with a terminal diagnosis, live very full lives and have developed a mental strategy for acceptance of their diagnosis and prognosis.

On this note, please know that for many, massage and holistic treatments can bring a wealth of benefits for those with cancer – and if you wish to be a part of the process that brings a rewarding experience for yourself, as  well as your future clients, then this course is for you.

I want to work with people who have cancer, but I don’t have any previous massage experience, or a UK recognised qualification – can I sign up for this course?
Unfortunately you will need to have your foundational knowledge in massage and must be qualified in the U.K.  You can get qualified by clicking on the link below, which takes you to our Diploma in Massage, or Diploma in Sports Massage Level 3 courses, which are awarded by ITEC and VTCT.

Diploma in Massage 

ITEC Holistic Massage Courses | The School of Natural Therapies | London

Diploma in Sports Massage

ITEC Level 3 Sports Massage Course | The School of Natural Therapies

We will train and guide you throughout the course on practical massage techniques and all sports massage related theory, including anatomy and physiology, through to scheduled exam days at the school.

Will I have to study Anatomy & Physiology again?
We will be covering some anatomy and physiology as part of this course, which is vital in understanding subject matter such as how cancer develops and grows, what lymphoedema is a few examples.

Do I need to do any pre-reading or preparation before the course starts?
No, we will cover all the information you will need to know on the course, but do feel free to start your own research if you wish to.

What will I need to bring to the course?
Yes you will, as follows: – 

• 2 bath towels for personal use. 
• You will provided with a course manual, which contains comprehensive course notes. 
• General writing materials will be needed, so please make sure you bring these along and perhaps a note pad.

Will there be lots of essay or assignments?
No, we only ask you to make course notes throughout the course programme and we will ask you to complete a 25-question multiple choice exam paper (MCQP) at the end of the course, as part of your certification.

What if English is not my first language, or if I haven’t studied for a long time?
We would expect anyone applying to possess a reasonable command of English language, both written and oral.

I have dyslexia
We can assist those who struggle with English, don’t have English as their first language, or have dyslexia.

Is there an age limit?
We prefer students to be at least 21 years of age in order to undertake this course. Younger students may apply by contacting us and acceptance on this programme is subject to telephone interview first.

Do I have to provide my own ‘clients’ to practise on for coursework?
No, we organise and provide clients, who volunteer their time to come along and receive a treatment. It is also an opportunity to talk to people who have had or are being treated for cancer and to question and therefore understand their experiences, which is always very helpful for you as a learner.

I have a relative, friend or family member who has cancer – can I invite them along as a volunteer?
Please talk to us about this before the course starts and if possible, we will do our best to accommodate them as a volunteer model, for the practical element of this course.

Can I leave my belongings at the venue between sessions?
Students cannot leave belongings at the venue as there is very limited storage available.

Are the massage classes single sex?
The massage classes will include all genders. You will need to advise us in advance if you have an objection to that and we will advise you if this course is suitable. Our models are also of mixed sexual or gender origin as well, so we cannot guarantee who you will treat throughout the course.

Course Tutors

Marc Innes

SNT Principal, Marc Innes, has a background of 23 years NHS experience; during his time as a paramedic, he cared for and transported many patients suffering from cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment.

Latterly, Marc was a Superintendent of the 999-call centre for the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, looking after the service provision of primary healthcare, such as ambulances, ambulance helicopters and first responders across London.

In 2007 Marc left the NHS to pursue a career in massage and holistic medicine, resulting in him purchasing and taking over the School of Natural Therapies (SNT) as Principal in 2010. SNT is now a leading school for massage and holistic therapies in London.

Marc holds certification in the following modalities:

• Reiki (Usui, Tibetan & Karuna Master)
• Massage – various disciplines such as Holistic, Sports & Hot Stone and Pregnancy and Oncology.
• First Aid Trainer
• Lymphatic Drainage 
• Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT tapping)

Working as a consultant with well-known and leading and award-winning U.K. organic skincare brand, Made for Life Organics, (spearheaded by MD, Amanda Winwood), Marc researched and developed an industry recognised 3-day educational programme, which was rolled out across many spas in the U.K. – this included well known and respected spa providers such as Center Parcs. 

The aim of the programme was simple – to educate and inspire spas, salons and massage therapists to lose their fear and open their doors to clients at all stages of their cancer journey, for massage, facials and beauty treatments.

Awards

In 2016 Marc and The School of Natural Therapies, was the recipient of a Platinum Industry Award by BBC Radio 2 DJ and author, Janey Lee Grace.

In 2019, Marc was recognised in the spa industry as Inspirational Trainer of the Year, by the organisation TPOT (The Power of Touch) for his contribution in inspiring and training spa therapists to open their doors to clients with cancer – such people would have previously been turned from spas and salons, due to their condition.

Marc has spoken at various forums in the U.K. including London’s Olympia, as a panellist and industry expert on Oncology and massage. He has also presented internationally in Eastern Europe on this subject matter.

Joseph O’Dwyer

Joseph’s interest in massage was first evoked following years of unresolved back pain.

Having always been involved in sport ….  spending his youth as a competitive Judo player, his University years as a powerlifter and the last 15 studying Kempo Jujitsu, Joseph had unwittingly imbalanced his musco-skeletal system.

His overuse injury had not only been a painful but expensive journey, which finally ended as he sought answers at the School of Natural Therapies.

“Having felt ‘at home’ from the first day of attending the SNT, I realised I was in the company of true professionals who detected and addressed my back issue with ease. I needed no more convincing of the value of massage therapy and it’s associated skills …. I was hooked and haven’t stop studying, practising and delivering treatments since.

It’s an absolute honour and privilege to be a tutor at the School of Natural Therapies. My intention is to bring my own passion and style to lift the skills of all our students to reach their full potential during their learning experience.”

Joseph’s Qualifications:

• ITEC Anatomy & Physiology -School of Natural Therapies – 2011
• ITEC Holistic Massage -School of Natural Therapies – 2011
• Deep Tissue Massage
• BTEC Clinical Sports and Remedial Massage -School of Natural Therapies – 2013
• PTTLS Teacher Training Certificate -Advanced Training Academy – Croydon – 2013
• BA Theology and Philosophy
• Member of ISRM
• Kempo Jujitsu Instructor
• Qualified with John Gibbons as a ‘Bodymaster Method ® Practitioner
• Osteopathic Articulation
• Medical Acupuncture