Continuing education
Oncology Aesthetician
Compassionate, safe aesthetics for people in and after cancer therapy – expertise, empathy and dignity at the centre.
About the course
Oncology aesthetics is one of the most meaningful specialisations in the profession. This continuing education programme imparts both the medical expertise about cancer and its treatment consequences and the communicative and psychological skills needed to engage with affected persons with dignity.
What you will learn
- Understand oncological conditions and forms of therapy (chemo, radio, immuno)
- Recognise therapy-related skin changes and assess them correctly
- Apply safe treatment protocols for every phase of therapy
- Assess lymphoedema risk and adapt treatment accordingly
- Conduct compassionate communication with seriously ill persons
- Use touch as a therapeutic tool consciously and safely
- Know and respect the limits of cosmetic treatment
- Practise self-care and emotional boundaries as a professional
Course content
1Module 1 – Oncology fundamentals
- Development and types of cancer
- Common cancers and their treatment pathways
- Chemotherapy: mode of action, side effects, phases
- Radiotherapy: local and systemic
- Immunotherapy and targeted therapies
- Palliative care and hospice – foundations
2Module 2 – Skin under therapy
- Skin changes from chemotherapy: dryness, nail changes, hand-foot syndrome
- Skin reactions to radiotherapy: dermatitis, fibrosis
- Hair loss (alopecia) and regrowth
- Lymphoedema: development, identification, precautions
- Wounds, scar care and post-operative skin
3Module 3 – Safe treatment protocols
- When may treatment take place? Phases and contraindications
- Treatment during active therapy: what is permitted?
- Treatment in remission and rehabilitation
- Adapted massage: pressure, direction, duration
- Product selection: what is suitable for oncological skin?
4Module 4 – Communication & psychology
- Communication with seriously ill persons: principles
- Dealing with grief, loss and finality
- Touch as a means of expression: dignity and safety
- Involving family members
- Self-protection and emotional boundaries for professionals
- Supervision and peer support
5Module 5 – Practice & graduation
- Observation placements in oncology facilities
- Case studies: treatment planning and reflection
- Graduation presentation: own case report
- Practical examination and theory examination
- Diploma presentation
Career options after completing
Oncology centre / clinic
Palliative care unit and hospice
Rehabilitation clinic
Mobile aesthetics for non-mobile patients
Own practice with oncology focus
Lecturer in oncology aesthetics