UKSA reveals cancer care survey findings

The UK Spa Association has published the results of its nationwide survey into the provision of cancer-safe treatments in spas

By Wendy Golledge

03 June 2026

www.spa-uk.org

The UK Spa Association (UKSA) has revealed findings from its first survey into cancer care provision in spas nationwide.

The survey was launched in April 2026 to gather insight from operators on the current delivery of cancer-adapted treatments and services.

Backed by the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) and look Good, Feel Better, its aim was to capture the views, experiences and operational realities of spas, salons and hotels offering cancer safe treatments across the UK.

“Despite industry-wide participation to advertise the survey, the final number of participants was only 67, which is significantly lower than was hoped,” said the UKSA’s new general manager, Rachel Bevan.

“However, the results are still a useful benchmark for where the industry finds itself now and can significantly help to shape our future education, training and industry awareness.”

“The main barriers for being able to provide treatments for guest living with cancer are lack of specialist training and uncertainty over contraindications. Until cancer care is formally added into every syllabus, we need to be actively sign-posting therapists and operators towards the industry bodies who can give them the latest information and relevant training.”

Rachel Bevan

General manager, UK Spa Association

Barriers to treatment

The survey was completed by a mix of UKSA members and non-members, with an even mix of single-site operators, lone-working therapists, small salons and larger spa groups.

“As can be seen from the results, our industry has improved the services available – 73 per cent are currently offering treatments to guests living with cancer and 79 per cent do an adapted consultation – however there remains more work to do,” said Bevan.

“For example, 37 per cent of guests do not mention their diagnosis prior to entering the treatment room, so there is clearly still some more education to do to ensure people feel comfortable to speak up.”

What therapists told the UKSA survey...

• 94 per cent believe that spa and wellness treatments are vital for guests living with cancer and over half (57 per cent) believe adapted treatments are now an expected standard

• 75 per cent feel confident to deliver treatments for guests living with cancer

• 31 per cent of these guests have mentioned their medical status prior to treatment but 37 per cent do not mention diagnosis before entering the treatment room

• 61 per cent of spas feel well prepared to treat guests living with cancer and the same number have received some form of specialist training

• Almost two thirds (61 per cent) were trained for three days or more

• 46 per cent were not aware that cancer is classed as a disability in UK law.

“It’s great to see the UKSA take this issue up and fantastic to have this data as a baseline. It’s interesting to see that 49 per cent of our sector don’t feel assured enough to welcome someone with cancer with confidence. This is indicative of the work we must still do as a collective; it starts with education and training at college level.”

Amanda Winwood

Founder, Made for Life Foundation and Made for Life Organics

Debbie Moore and Julie Smith, founders of The Amethyst Trust, train therapists to provide massage therapy safely, with confidence and competence. “The findings within this report are incredibly encouraging and reflect how far the spa industry has progressed in creating safer, more inclusive experiences for clients living with and beyond cancer,” said Moore.

“It is particularly positive to see growing awareness around adapted treatments, therapist education and the importance of an inclusive guest journey.

“However, the report highlights there is still uncertainty and a need for greater confidence, particularly in reception and front of house roles, which are often the first point of contact for guests.”

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