One of cancer’s cruellest blows for many people is the impact that treatment can have on looks. At a time when you’re already feeling really low, changes to your appearance can seem like the last straw. Hair loss, brittle nails and dry skin are just some of the unpleasant side effects people may experience during chemotherapy. Hormonal therapy and targeted therapy can also result in changes to skin and hair.
Over three quarters of women in a survey last year said their confidence suffered as a result of the visible side effects of cancer treatment, which is hardly surprising.
One thing that might help if you’re dealing with changes to your appearance during cancer treatment is Macmillan Cancer Support’s new booklet, Feel More Like You. Created in partnership with the UK pharmacy chain Boots, Feel More Like You has lots of tips and ideas to help you feel more like your old self, and look more like her too. It includes suggestions on caring for your skin and nails, as well as directions on how to create natural-looking eyebrows and eyelashes.
The booklet also gives information on how to find a Boots Macmillan Beauty Adviser near you. These beauty advisers, available in Boots stores, have been specially trained by No7 and Macmillan to provide support and make-up advice to people affected by cancer. Hear some of their top tips and watch them do people’s make-up in these videos.
It’s not just women who struggle with appearance changes during cancer treatment. Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisers are also there to help men with things like hair loss, nail changes and skin changes.
The Macmillan website has more information and advice about managing the visible side effects of cancer treatment. We’ve also got a whole section about hair loss. And if you come across any other great tips, don’t forget to share them with our online community.
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