What is the Safe Hands for Cancer collection?
Our Safe Hands for Cancer collection identifies spa destinations where therapists have had approved specialist training so they can adapt treatments for anyone with or recovering from cancer. That training means that not only are spa treatments safe for all stages of the cancer journey and any treatments you may have had, but they will also offer maximum comfort and benefit for your individual wants and needs. It ensures that whichever experience you choose, you will always be in safe hands.
Spabreaks.com proudly acts as the official partner of The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care. (SATCC)
Browse the Safe Hands for Cancer collectionSafe Hands for Cancer FAQs
- Why was Safe Hands for Cancer created?
Like many people, we have had friends, colleagues and loved ones who have lived through cancer, as well as those who have been lost to its grip. Historically, spas were not able to offer treatments to anyone who had experienced cancer, because therapist training didn't provide the knowledge to make any necessary adaptations for comfort and safety. However, that position has always been at odds with the industry's innate purpose - to offer care and support when we need it most.
At Spabreaks.com, we have been working on improving the spa experience for anyone affected by cancer since 2012, when one of our customers was turned away from a spa because she was undergoing chemotherapy. We have been breaking down barriers and campaigning for more knowledge, better training and a greater understanding of the risks and benefits of spa experiences for cancer patients.
Our goal was to make sure that anyone at any stage of their cancer journey can enjoy a spa experience safely, easily, and with the most benefit to their wellbeing at that time. The great news is, we’ve done it.
- What is the SATCC?
Importantly, we have not been alone in our mission. Incredible spa leaders, therapist trainers, product formulators and healthcare professionals, who are just as passionate as we are have also been doing their part to provide the best care for cancer patients.
Those people have come together in The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC), the brainchild of Sue Harmsworth, founder of ESPA. It is the only registered charity dedicated to setting the standard in holistic oncology care, bringing expert training, spa therapists and those who need them, together.
The SATCC has made sure gold standard training and the knowledge that's needed to support cancer patients through spa and wellness experiences is available. Now it's time for you to benefit with easy access to spa experiences tailored to individual needs.
- How do I book an SATCC-approved spa day or break?
Spabreaks.com is the official booking partner of the SATCC, making it easy to find a spa with SATCC-approved therapist qualifications to support anyone following a cancer diagnosis, through our Safe Hands for Cancer collection.
Across the Spabreaks.com site, all spa destinations included in the Safe Hands for Cancer collection feature an accreditation tag below the name. Alternatively, you can browse the dedicated Safe Hands for Cancer collection.
The story behind Safe Hands for Cancer
Our guide for enjoying a spa day whilst navigating cancer treatment
In this guide we hope to give you all the information you need to find the best spa destination and spa treatments for you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our team directly.
Explore the guide here
Our journey to Safe Hands for Cancer
Cancer has always been a big part of our journey at Spabreaks.com, both personally and professionally. Read about our story from our founder, Abi Selby.
Read Abi's story
Remembering Lang
The journey to Safe Hands has also been a personal one. Our dear colleague, Lang Rynjah, was one of the people we lost to cancer in 2019.
Read Lang's story
Proud to support the SATCC
Spabreaks.com is the official partner of The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC)
Spa leader and founder of ESPA, Sue Harmsworth, has brought together professionals from across the health, wellbeing, education, training and skincare sectors to ensure the standard for treating cancer patients in a spa environment is second to none.
Those involved have trained more than 10,000 therapists and counting, and are coming together to make sure spas, therapists and spa goers experience the best standards at every stage of their wellbeing journey.
"Collaborating with Sue and the SATCC team has been a fundamental part of our mission - bringing the industry together to make sure whichever spa experience you choose, you're always in safe hands." -Abi Selby, Founder of Spabreaks.com and SATCC Advisory Board member
Book your spa experience today
Discover our collection of spas with the SATCC-approved specialist training to provide safe and supportive treatments for anyone following a cancer diagnosis. Whichever experience you choose, you and your loved ones will always be in safe hands. Please make sure you mention your diagnosis at the point of booking.
Browse the Safe Hands for Cancer collection