Too many spas are still rejecting cancer sufferers. That needs to change.
Many retreats and salons have adapted their programmes brilliantly to treat those living with the disease — it’s baffling that a quarter still turn patients away.
Move. Restore. Feel Human Again: Touch for Cancer's upcoming retreat
Move. Restore. Feel Human Again is a pioneering new wellbeing retreat for those living with or beyond cancer, has announced its expert-led programme. Designed to address the physical and emotional disconnection many experience after diagnosis and treatment, the retreat is built around four key pillars: movement, touch, nutrition and mindfulness.
European Spa announces Visionary Leader Award
European Spa has revealed Sue Harmsworth MBE as the recipient of its first Visionary Leader Award. The award was presented at the European Spa Event, which was held at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London on January 29 2026.
From ESPA to SATCC: Sue Harmsworth's enduring impact on global wellness
With over five decades of experience, Sue Harmsworth is more than a pioneer in the wellness industry—she’s a visionary who transformed holistic healing into a global, luxury standard.
SATCC issues updated guidance on using heat in spa treatments for cancer patients
Heat has historically been an area of caution for spas offering treatments to anyone undergoing a cancer journey. New analysis of research in this field now provides clarity on how best to use heat during touch therapies for anyone with a cancer diagnosis.
We need to address the dangers of alcohol
Christine Clinton, founder of Clinton Cancer Care and Susan Harmsworth, founder of SATCC and ESPA International, talk about the link between alcohol and cancer.
Sue Harmsworth MBE announces launch of Touch for Cancer Care
Founder of the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC), has announced the launch of Touch for Cancer Care. The new charity initiative has been created to connect individuals with SATCC-approved spas, wellness breaks and trained therapists.
Does the spa industry have a moral compass?
European Spa Platinum Resource 2024
SATCC founder Sue Harmsworth talks about the growing importance of cancer touch therapies and how the industry can step up to serve those living with the disease.
Spa Icon 2024: Sue Harmsworth, MBE
European Spa Platinum Resource 2024
As the world of wellness continues to evolve, Sue Harmsworth discusses the importance of professional development to create next-level therapists
An Essential Beauty Directory For Women Going Through Cancer Treatment
This Breast Cancer Awareness month, British Vogue spotlights the beauty products, treatments and services to know about if you’re going through cancer treatment.
Caring for those touched by cancer
European Spa Platinum Resource 2024
Cancer-safe spa treatments and the shortage of cancer care trained therapists is a key focus for spa leaders. We ask what must happen for the industry to safely and whole-heartedly embrace cancer touch therapy
Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care
European Spa Platinum Resource 2024
Described by is founder, Sue Harmsworth MBE, as “a revolutionary step for spas, therapists and most importantly consumers”, the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) is a registered UK charity.
An Essential Beauty Directory For Women Going Through Cancer Treatment
When living with cancer, a massage or beauty treatment can offer a small window of relaxation and TLC when it is needed most. However, high insurance rates, coupled with a lack of training for therapists, mean that cancer patients are all too often turned away.
How Sue Harmsworth is bringing the spa industry together to support cancer patients
In early 2020, Sue Harmsworth, a spa industry leader best known as the founder of ESPA, launched SATCC (Standards Authority for Training and Cancer Care).
World Cancer Day: SATCC announces Irene Forte Spas collaboration
As part of today’s World Cancer Day, the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) has announced a new collaboration with Irene Forte Spas, part of Rocco Forte Hotels, that will make its spas and spa treatments more accessible to people living with cancer.
The industry’s approach to serving those touched by cancer has been fragmented for many years
Sue Harmsworth, industry influencer and founder of ESPA, has brought together a group of leading training providers in the UK and Ireland to create the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC).
New safe spa therapy for people living with cancer
Cancer patients can enjoy the benefits of spa treatments in future, knowing they are in safe hands.
Does your spa care for those with cancer?
Sue Harmsworth, MBE and made for Life Organic's Amanda Winwood talk exclusively about a new initiative that is set to revolutionise spa access for those living with cancer.
The woman who is changing old spa attitudes
LOCKDOWN has been a challenging time for us all but especially for those with existing life-threatening conditions such as cancer sufferers.
It’s ridiculous to think that massage can spread cancer – so why do spas still believe it?
Imagine arriving at a spa, robed up in a fluffy hug, ready for an hour’s worth of relaxation only to be told that you won’t be receiving your much needed massage because you have cancer.
Over 220 spas register for new industry standard for cancer touch therapy
Sue Harmsworth, industry influencer and founder of ESPA, has recently announced the launch of the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC).
New Spa Standard for Cancer Patients includes Essex Retreats
Until now it’s been difficult for cancer patients, whether undergoing treatment or in remission, to easily book spa treatments, either being turned away because therapists lacked the necessary training or simply not knowing which spas could treat them.
Sopa special for escaping Big C stress
Cancer patients will be able to enjoy spa treatments without any stress thanks to a new industry standard.
How spas can help those dealing with cancer
A kind massage can be a psychological boon for those affected by cancer. So why are so many spas unwilling to treat us, asks Catherine Turner.
Sue Harmsworth pioneers new training standard in massage for those touched by cancer
ESPA founder Sue Harmsworth MBE is collaborating with a number of spa industry leaders to create the Standard Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC).
Four Seasons Bali resorts launch Cancer Care Massage with guidance from Christine Clinton and SATCC
Following intensive training with certified specialist Christine Clinton, Four Seasons has launched a Cancer Care Massage at its two Bali spas: the all-new Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, and Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Sayan.
Sue Harmsworth launches Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care
Sue Harmsworth, industry influencer and founder of ESPA, has brought together a group of owners and founders of leading training providers in the UK and Ireland to create the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC).