Finding Confidence With Cancer When You Don’t Look Or Feel Like Yourself

According to the American Cancer Society, the words – IT’S CANCER  – will be heard by one in two African American men and one in three African American women in his or her lifetime. Coming to terms with cancer is never easy and change in appearance is one of the most common and visible side effects of cancer treatment. For some, it can seem as difficult to cope with as the fatigue, nausea and other side effects that can come from treatment. Cancer experts and therapists often find that changes in appearance can have a major impact on the confidence and self-worth of both men and women.

Many people will turn to their personal hair stylist or beautician for aid but not all are equipped to help them deal with the changes they’re experiencing. Hospitals nationwide are beginning to offer image enhancement services as experts increasingly recognize that the mind and body go hand-in-hand. Salon technicians at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), which has on-site salons with expert hair and beauty consultants at each of their hospitals, are specially equipped to help people with cancer feel like themselves throughout treatment.

When Tyler White, a technician at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern) in Zion, Ill., sits down with someone battling cancer, she likes to spend a good amount of time with them to talk through their concerns and wishes. “I tell them that although their hair won’t be the same while going through treatment, they will still be the same people they always have been,” said White.

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These discussions with cancer patients may include options regarding the maintenance of their lifelong hairstyle or considering a hat or a wig. Patients at CTCA at Midwestern can choose from nearly 500 wigs and a wide variety of turbans, caps, scarves, hats and head wraps. Stylists can assist men and women with selecting a head covering, and then help with fit, cut and styling.

Before heading to the salon, all people being treated at CTCA also have the opportunity to meet with a dedicated mind-body therapist who empowers them to improve their health, relationships and well-being throughout treatment. These therapists encourage each person fighting cancer to focus on his or her emotional wellness and continue normal daily activities. CTCA mind-body therapist Corliss Ivy meets with many patients before they go to the salon to pick out their new “do” to talk through diagnosis, treatment and the sense of loss they may feel at losing their hair.

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“Coping with side effects from treatment – especially losing hair – can be extremely difficult,” said Ivy.  “One way that we support patients is by mourning this loss together with them, and exploring ways to embrace their bodies throughout the journey.” For patients who may find the loss of their hair difficult, Ivy suggests focusing on a person’s emotional wellness. Meditation, getting plenty of rest, eating healthy and exercising can all improve a patient’s mood and ability to cope.

White and her fellow technicians are there to support and empower patients. A few of the tips they offer patients experiencing hair loss includes:

• Be gentle on your hair. Use a soft bristle hair brush or wide-tooth comb and a mild, gentle shampoo (but limit washing). Take special care of your scalp, which may get dry and itchy. Gently pat hair dry with a soft towel.
• Limit the use of hair clips, barrettes, elastic bands, and pins that pull on hair. As new hair grows in, it may be brittle and delicate and will need special care as well.
• Protect your head. Wear a head scarf at night, or sleep on a satin pillowcase, to keep hair from coming out in clumps. When out in the sun, use sunscreen to protect your scalp, as sunburn can cause more itchiness, flakiness and dry skin. In cold weather, wear a hat or scarf outdoors to protect your head.

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