In this episode of Collaborative Connections, host Erica Clinton speaks with Morag Currin, oncology aesthetician, educator, and S4OM board member, about the role estheticians play in early skin cancer detection. With more than 30 years in practice and as the founder of The Soul Silo, Morag has pioneered oncology aesthetics education since 2007. She discusses why estheticians are often positioned to notice changes in the skin before a dermatologist ever sees a client, how to identify benign versus suspicious lesions, and the importance of consistent client communication and documentation.

The conversation also covers melanoma risk factors including FAMMM syndrome and mole count, the impact of certain cancer treatment drugs on skin pigmentation, lesser known sources of UV exposure, and the unique considerations for detecting skin cancer in clients with darker skin tones. Morag closes with a candid discussion on fair compensation for oncology aesthetics services and what she wants every new esthetician to understand about preparing to serve clients navigating skin cancer.

Topics Discussed here:

• Why skin cancer awareness belongs in the esthetician's scope of practice
• Recognizing and documenting suspicious lesions over time
• Common gaps in foundational skin cancer education for estheticians
• Sunscreen myths, reapplication, and the vitamin D conversion balance
• FAMMM syndrome and mole count as melanoma risk indicators
• Skin pigmentation changes related to immunotherapy and targeted melanoma drugs
• Immunosuppression and increased skin cancer risk
• Lesser known UV exposure sources, including gel manicure lamps and tanning beds
• Lifestyle and occupational sun exposure history
• Mole mapping, intake forms, and referral practices
• Detecting skin cancer in clients with darker skin tones
• Skincare approach for clients in active cancer treatment
• Advocacy for fair compensation in oncology aesthetics

View extended shownotes here

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