The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) has updated its guidelines on the use of heat during touch treatments and holistic wellness practices for patients with cancer based on new research.

The SATCC was set up in 2020 by Sue Harmsworth, founder of ESPA, to unite training providers in the UK and Ireland in offering a national standard of care for consumers experiencing cancer, based on scientific evidence. Read more about the launch of SATCC in Spa Business here.

The latest guidelines are based on research conducted by professor Anna Campbell, who specialises in clinical exercise science at Edinburgh Napier University and has spent 25 years in the field of exercise oncology.

Professor Campbell, said: "It is important that therapists and wellbeing practitioners continue to develop their practice based on current evidence in order to provide a safe and effective service. A review of the studies currently published have provided the current recommendations."

Sue Harmsworth said: "The increasing spotlight that is being shone on the importance of holistic care for cancer patients is essential for supporting people on a human level during and beyond medical treatment. The more knowledge with which we can empower therapists, wellbeing practitioners, and patients themselves, the better. At the SATCC we welcome this increasing level of understanding and congratulate Anna and other researchers on their continued efforts to make such an important difference.”

New guidelines

• The safe upper limit for heat is 42°C (107.6°F).

• This means spa guests undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy should avoid the use of thermal facilities, including hot tubs, steamrooms and saunas. This is because heat experiences generally exceed 42°C and cannot be individually controlled. People undergoing cancer treatments may also have an increased risk of dehydration, infection, cardiovascular stress, skin changes and lymphoedema.

• In touch therapy treatments, heat up to 42°C is seen as safe during Touch for Cancer treatments but there are important exceptions:

• Heated tools should be moved continuously – static heated tool placement should be avoided. This means massage tools such as hot stones, shells, and poultices can be used but they should not be left in one place throughout a treatment.

• Clients at risk of lymphoedema – who have had lymph nodes removed/ have received radiation targeting lymph areas within the last three years should receive particular attention. The evidence shows 75 per cent of lymphoedema cases occur within the first year following these treatments and 90 per cent occur within the first three years. These clients should avoid all direct heat on affected limbs and indirect heat treatments should also be avoided for these clients during the three year period following treatment.

• Direct heat therapy should be avoided on recently radiated skin or sites with implanted devices, such as Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) lines

• Chemotherapy can induce areas of impaired sensation/ neuropathy, causing pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. These areas should be avoided during treatments.