Wellness for Cancer Initiative
Its logical that cancer patients and survivors need to visit spas to de-stress and heal, but yet very few spas are trained or have invested in training to empower their staff to be their best for clients who have had or are healing from cancer.
Where is the disconnect?
The disconnect is two-fold. First, spas must have the proper perspective about supporting clients with cancer, which means understanding that our role is well-being not disease care. Second, we need to take responsibility for our role in holding space for our clients to reduce their stress, find inner peace and increase their emotional resiliency. Individuals don’t want to go to cancer specific spas; they want to get away from their cancer–they want to visit your spa.
The Latest News and Resources
Objectives
The Wellness for Cancer Initiative bridges the gap between medical and wellness communities by aligning with evidence-informed practices from the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and other global guideline-setting bodies. We host global “Integrative Oncology and Self Help” workshops and four annual forums to raise awareness, upskill professionals, and amplify the voices of patients and caregivers—reshaping how wellness supports people affected by cancer.
Integrative Oncology = Conventional Medicine + Lifestyle Medicine + Complementary Practices
We challenge the labeling of wellness services as “for cancer,” which can feel limiting—especially for those living with metastatic disease who may never be “post-cancer.” Many are not seeking reminders of their diagnosis, but rather dignity, inclusion, and a sense of normalcy. There’s a vital difference between managing symptoms and simply feeling human—yet many providers do not highlight this important distinction.
The disconnect comes down to:
1. Perspective: Wellness supports well-being—not disease care.
2. Responsibility: Providers help reduce stress and build resilience.
3. Transparency: The wellness industry must communicate the role and capabilities of wellness services to avoid confusing patients seeking symptom management with therapists who see cancer patients regularly.
The Wellness for Cancer Initiative is redefining wellness to be inclusive, compassionate, and grounded in integrity and transparency.
Initiative Leadership
Initiative Chair
Julie Bach, Executive Director, Wellness for Cancer, United States
Julie Bach is a globally recognized wellness thought leader and recipient of the Leading Woman in Wellness award from the Global Wellness Summit (2017). For over 20 years, she has coached women to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives through workshops spanning 60+ countries. A Board-Certified Health Coach, Julie is the Founding Chair of the Society of Integrative Oncology’s Health Coaching Special Interest Group, advocating for health coaching in integrative cancer care. Her work merges corporate expertise in strategy and change management with wellness practices in stress resilience, movement, nutrition, sleep, and brain health to reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes.
Vice-Chair
Joelle Kaufman, Crushing the Cancer Curveball, United States
With 40 years of navigating cancer and building tech companies, Joelle created a groundbreaking approach to her treatment, achieving full remission and discovering unparalleled happiness. This same methodology powered her professional success and balanced family life. Her book aims to share these insights with others. Joelle is passionate about empowering cancer patients to reclaim control of their journey, amplifying their voice, and reducing the fear and confusion that often accompany a diagnosis. As a caregiver nine times and a patient herself in 2023, Joelle brings a deep, empathetic understanding to her mission. Her family often says, “We’ve seen the movie, and now we know how to write a better ending.”
Initiative Members
Meet the renowned thought leaders in this field who are collaborating to educate and evolve wellness in this area of global importance.
Resources
View the research, trends, whitepapers, infographics and more from this Initiative, as well as a curated list of third party resources.
Contact Initiative
Please fill out the form so we can learn more about you, which Initiative you are interested in and how you would like to be involved.
