Suncare during Radiation Treatment
As a general rule, you don’t want any sun exposure on a treatment site while receiving radiation treatment. Always check with your radiation oncologist before using sunscreen if you are undergoing radiation. Your doctor may not want you to put sunscreen or any because the skin is prone to injury
General Sun Protection tips during cancer treatment
Use a sunscreen that is specially formulated for your face that delivers both UVA and UVB protection in a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Apply sun protection daily and liberally – a dollop about the size of a golf ball – to all exposed skin, such as the lips, ears, scalp, sides and back of neck, and exposed chest.
Get in the habit of applying sun protection every morning, about 20 to 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply often – about every two hours.
Remember that you’re still exposed to UVA/UVB rays even in the shade.
Stay inside during the intense-sun hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Though remember: If you’re indoors, windows offer no protection against UVA rays.
Don’t forget to wear a hat – preferably one with a wide brim of about three inches.
Remember:
Put your sunscreen under your makeup. (Apply sunscreen first).
SPF numbers aren’t cumulative. If your moisturizer and foundation both have an SPF of 15, it doesn’t mean that you’ll have a protection of SPF 30.
UVA is long-range ultraviolet radiation that has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin, causing immediate tanning, premature skin ageing and can play a role in the development of certain skin cancers. UVA is not readily absorbed by the ozone layer – about 95% gets through.
UVB is short-wave ultraviolet radiation that can penetrate the epidermis and is responsible for delayed tanning, sunburns and most skin cancers.
A large portion of UVB is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer – only 5% reaches the planet’s surface.
Source: Health Canada
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Cancer runs in my family — it has affected six out of eight siblings, my mom, my aunt, my grandmother, my cousins, and even my niece and nephew. But I’ve never let it define me. I don’t even like to use the “C” word — I call it “the unwelcome intruder.” It infiltrated my body and so now we’re just working on getting it out of there. I don’t allow it to control me or have authority over my body.
Throughout my treatment, some things have stayed constant in my life, and this grounds me. I’ve kept working, because I love my job and it gives me a sense of normalcy. My children are there for me — I’m a single mom of four kids, 22-year-old triplet daughters and a 24-year-old son. I love going on walks with my little nine-year-old Havanese and reading psychological thrillers.
My faith has been another constant source of strength. When I had a recurrence of the unwelcome intruder, I prayed a lot. I was like, “I can’t go through this a second time. Lord, what are you doing?” And I received a message saying that this was not a journey I was to take alone — that this was going to be a community-based journey for me. I have a habit of isolating myself, especially during times of struggle. Thanks to this message that came through, I’ve been staying connected and sharing my journey, especially through the women’s connect group at my church. We all go through struggles in our lives, and my hope is that by sharing mine, it’ll help people to see their own challenges in a better light and to know they’re not alone or stuck. I know there’s an end to this.
It wasn’t just my church community, either. Once I decided to overcome my habit of cutting myself off from others, I was surprised at how vast this community travelled. More and more people outside of my church, outside of my faith, have come to walk alongside me. They send texts, stop by, bring me meals, go for walks with me, and even attend appointments. It has been really uplifting, encouraging, and inspiring. I feel held and supported.
This community extends to Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) as well. Losing my hair was a big thing for me. I cried and cried for weeks on end in anticipation. I just turned 61, but I don’t feel old —and I didn’t want to look old, or sick. My hair started falling out just two days before my LGFB workshop. I felt really shut down. I almost didn’t go. But I’m so glad I did, because the workshop really helped me get through it.
I loved how the volunteer talked about hair loss — so calmly, so casually. She’d rip off her wig, put on another, and then switch to a bandana. Something opened up in me when she was doing that. It felt so freeing. I realized I was no longer stuck to my hair, and that it was okay that it was gone. My hair falling out felt like the end of the world for me, but the workshop helped me realize that hair is just hair. It doesn’t define who I am. This new perspective changed the entire trajectory of my journey. The workshop gave me my life back, basically. It was so empowering. As a bonus, I’ve been having a lot of fun with wigs, trying different hair styles and colours.
My positive mindset has really helped me through this journey. Prayer, connection, community — these have been instrumental. And I really do treat this as a journey — not just a medical, physical journey but also a mental, spiritual, soul-deep transformation. I don’t have to worry about the unwelcome intruder in my body because that’s what my medical team does. My responsibility is to make sure that I’m staying as healthy as possible, physically and mentally. I’m not just focusing on the cancer, but on making myself better.
Cleansing and Moisturizing
- Gentle cleanser labelled for sensitive skin or for eczema
- Non-irritating and pH balanced or neutral
- Use lukewarm or cool water (hot water strips natural oils). Keep showers brief (less than 10 minutes) to minimize skin irritation
A cream is likely best for you right now. The type of moisturizer you choose (called the “vehicle”) matters because your skin may be more sensitive and dry during treatment.
Understanding moisturizer types:
- Gels – Lightest, may not provide enough moisture during treatment
- Lotions – Light to medium, absorb quickly but need frequent reapplication
- Creams – Thicker and more moisturizing, ideal for treatment-sensitive skin
- Ointments – Heaviest and most protective, but can feel greasy
Creams typically provide the right balance of moisture and protection for treatment-sensitive skin without being too heavy for daily facial use. Look for cream-based products that are:
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance free
- pH balanced or neutral
- Avoid anything labelled “anti-ageing”
Fragrance-free and scent-free are not the same. Scent-free products may still contain masking fragrances, which can be irritating. Look for ‘fragrance-free’ on the label whenever possible.
Moisturize immediately after patting your skin dry from bathing to lock in moisture. If you don’t bathe daily, moisturizing on dry skin is still beneficial.
It’s important to note that oils don’t add moisture – they lock in existing hydration.
For best results, apply oils to slightly damp skin or use them in combination with a moisturizer. The exception is scalp care when you have hair, where oils can be used alone since applying cream to the scalp isn’t practical.
If you want to use oils to lock in moisture, look for ones that are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Gentle, non-comedogenic options include:
- Rosehip seed oil
- Shea butter
- Squalene
- Argan oil
- Grapeseed oil (cosmetic grade)
- Castor oil
- Baby oil
- Petroleum Jelly
- Bio-oil
Coconut oil can be absorbed through skin and may affect cholesterol levels in some cases. It may cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to cocamidopropyl betaine. It’s better to avoid using cooking oils on your skin and opt for products specifically designed for skincare.
Always test on a patch test on a small skin area that isn’t your face first.
Skincare Ingredients and Treatments
Treat your skin as if you have eczema. Hyaluronic acid is suitable for sensitive skin, but put aside other acids until 6 months after treatment ends. That includes retinol any other active ingredients.
Wait until treatment is complete, or ensure the practitioner is trained to work with cancer patients using extremely gentle, non-irritating products.
Toners are OK if your skin tolerates them and they’re not too drying. With a neutral cleanser and moisturizer, you may not need toner.
Vitamin C serums are generally safe during cancer treatment. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and unlikely to cause problems. However, avoid Vitamin C serums mixed with retinol, as retinol can be drying and harsh on sensitive skin during treatment.
- Start slowly – use every other day to test tolerance
- Choose lower concentrations (10-15%) and stabilized forms for gentler application
- Stop if you experience stinging, redness, or irritation
- Always follow with moisturizer and sunscreen
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- For general comfort and sensitive scalps:
Bamboo, cotton, linen, and modal are excellent choices because they are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and allow for good airflow. Bamboo regulates temperature and is soft on sensitive skin, while cotton offers all-day comfort and linen is highly breathable.
- For winter/cold weather:
Look for soft, breathable, and non-irritating fabrics like bamboo, fleece-lined cotton, and wool blends with a soft inner lining. Avoid scratchy wool or synthetic fibres that can cause irritation. A silk or satin lining inside hats can also help prevent friction and dryness.
- For maximum coolness:
Bamboo, cotton, linen, and modal are your best options. In terms of design, loose-fitting caps and lightweight scarves offer versatility, while turban-style wraps provide full coverage.
Consider owning at least 3 to 5 head coverings to ensure you have enough options for different occasions while allowing for washing and drying. Sleep head coverings should be made from softer, more comfortable materials that provide warmth and minimise friction against the scalp, making cotton or bamboo ideal choices. Like pyjamas, it’s important for hygiene to reserve specific items for sleep to reduce transfer of dirt and sweat from daytime activities to bed.
For daily wear, a variety of styles, including caps, scarves, turbans, and hats, can be beneficial. These should be made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that keep the scalp cool and comfortable while providing coverage.
Head coverings can be purchased from various sources, both online and in stores. Most wig boutiques will also carry head coverings and many other accessories. You can also find head coverings on specialty websites that cater specifically to those undergoing treatment. Cancer support organisations often provide resources or even free caps. Department stores and local boutiques may also carry suitable headwear. Additionally, some hospitals/cancer centres provide head coverings or purchasing resources. When selecting a head covering, consider comfort, material, and style to find the best option for your needs.
Ideally, you should wash them every 2 to 3 days, especially if you sweat or wear them for extended periods; daily wear may necessitate more frequent washing. The fabric type can also influence washing frequency—cotton and bamboo can be laundered more often without damage, while delicate fabrics like silk may require less frequent cleaning. Additionally, since chemotherapy can make the skin more sensitive, it’s important to use gentle, hypoallergenic detergents and avoid fabric softeners that could irritate the scalp. If you notice any odours, visible dirt, or signs of irritation on your scalp, wash your head coverings immediately.
A sleep cap is designed for nighttime use and is made from soft breathable material. They help keep the head warm while collecting hair that is coming out and protecting the scalp from friction against pillows.
Unless it is specifically listed as having UV protection you should wear sunscreen under a head covering because UV rays can penetrate these materials. The scalp may be more sensitive during and after chemotherapy, increasing the risk of sunburn. If you plan to be outside for an extended period, sunscreen adds an essential layer of protection, providing peace of mind, particularly if you adjust or remove your head covering throughout the day.
Keep sun protection top of mind by wearing a waterproof sunscreen and/or a swim cap, wide-brimmed hat or head covering with UV protection.
Wear a head covering like a simple cap or wig grip band underneath.
Scarf Styling and Techniques
The square knot (or reef knot) is recommended due to its simplicity and security. To tie a square knot, start by positioning the scarf on your head so that the ends hang evenly down your back or to the sides, depending on your style preference. Cross the right end of the scarf over the left end, then bring the right end under the left and pull both ends tight to form the first part of the knot. Next, take the left end and cross it over the right end, bringing the left end under the right and pulling both ends tight again to complete the knot. The square knot is known for staying tied, making it suitable for all-day wear, and it can be easily adjusted to tighten or loosen the fit as needed. Additionally, the knot lies flat against your head, preventing bulkiness and discomfort.
Yes, at minimum the top of the ears should be covered to create a more comfortable and polished look.
Yes! Search terms like “scarf tying tutorial for cancer patients,” “how to tie a scarf for hair loss,” and “headscarf tying techniques for chemotherapy.” Other effective phrases include “chemo scarf styles,” “head covering tutorials for cancer,” and “easy scarf styles for cancer patients.” Utilizing these search terms on platforms like YouTube or Google can help you find a variety of helpful tutorials tailored to your needs.
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- Blend until colour matches your natural scalp colour
- Use a disposable sponge for smoother blending
- Limit makeup on forehead to reduce stark transitions
Yes. Foundation helps eyebrow pencil cling to skin. Apply foundation first, let dry, then draw in eyebrows.
Yes. This creates a lighter, more hydrating base that’s comfortable on dry or sensitive skin. It may reduce coverage, so experiment to find your balance.
Many prefer foundation first to create an even base, then concealer to spot-correct areas needing extra coverage.
Apply concealer dots from inner to outer corner of eye with clean finger, applicator, or disposable sponge, then blend gently.
- Purple: brightens dullness, evens yellow skin
- Yellow: conceals dark purple or blue discolouration
- Green: hides red blemishes, blotchiness, sun spots
- Peach: cancels dark circles (light skin tones)
- Orange: cancels dark circles (darker skin tones)
To prevent makeup from melting:
• Press translucent powder with cotton round to absorb oils
• Blot oil before applying powder
• Consider lightweight primer
• Ensure sunscreen and moisturiser are fully absorbed first
Foundation and Base Makeup
Foundation provides the most coverage and is best for evening out skin tone and covering discolouration.
BB creams (Beauty Balm) offer lighter coverage and often include moisturiser, sunscreen, and skin-caring ingredients. They’re ideal when you want a natural look with some coverage and added skin benefits.
CC creams (Colour Correcting) focus on evening out skin tone and correcting discolouration with light to medium coverage. They’re useful when you want to address redness or uneven colour without heavy coverage.
During treatment, BB and CC creams can be gentler options for your skin since they’re typically more hydrating and less heavy than traditional foundation. Choose products that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and pH balanced, and use whichever feels most comfortable on your sensitive skin.
No, it’s not a good idea. It’s better to use them separately to avoid diluting the sunscreen’s potency and losing protection.
You likely won’t use enough foundation for adequate coverage, and areas like ears and neck would be missed. It’s best to use sunscreen, let it absorb in the skin and then apply foundation. You may also like a mineral sunscreen powder for re-application over makeup.
It’s a personal preference. Use photos where you liked your eyebrows as a reference guide.
Look for a universal taupe pencil – a slightly warm tone that’s not too grey or silvery.
Rub the pencil on the back of your hand to warm and soften it.
No, but be very gentle when removing makeup to protect delicate regrowth.
No, procedures that create open wounds aren’t recommended during treatment.
Its effectiveness isn’t scientifically proven. If you try it, do a patch test on skin first, avoiding eyes. Ask your healthcare team if unsure.
Yes! Follow proper hygiene, don’t apply to waterline, and sharpen pencils between uses or spray isopropyl alcohol on the tip to disinfect it.
Avoid eye makeup while eyes are watering. Focus on brows and blush for facial dimension.
These aren’t recommended. Glue can irritate sensitive skin, and magnetic lashes may require excessive rubbing to remove.
No, but be gentle removing it. To protect your lashes:
• Avoid waterproof formulas
• Use gentle remover (see eye makeup remover question below)
Any gentle cleanser labelled for sensitive skin works. It should be non-irritating and non-oily. Use a cotton pad, hold on eyelid for a few seconds, then wipe downwards from inner to outer corner.
During treatment, lipstick is OK for 3 months if applied with Q-tips or disposable applicators.
Using Q-tips or disposable applicators to apply lipstick is the best way to keep your lipstick clean. If applying directly, spray with isopropyl alcohol after each use.
Ask your pharmacist for products specifically formulated for severely dry skin/lips.
Ask your medical team or pharmacist for mouth rinse recommendations – they often have samples.
Makeup Hygiene and Safety
- Use pump dispensers when possible
- Use spatulas to remove products instead of fingers (and no double-dipping with spatulas)
- Close lids tightly after use
- Never blow on applicators
- Don’t share products
- Test new products on hands/wrists, not face
- Follow expiry dates
Regular brushes and sponges hold bacteria. Use disposable applicators or clean fingers to apply makeup during treatment. You can find disposable applicators online, at dollar stores, or in the makeup sections of large retailers.
- Mascara: 1 month once opened
- Most other products: 3 months with proper hygiene
Sunscreen and hand sanitizer become less effective after expiry. Throw away makeup with separation or off-odours, even before the expiry date.
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Yes. Remove with oily, acetone-free remover. Use petroleum jelly instead of cutting cuticles. Avoid acrylics (bacteria risk) and wear rubber gloves for chores.
Ask if professionals are trained for cancer patients. Avoid anything causing breaks or bleeding. Skip acrylics due to infection risk. Do not push back, cut, or push down cuticles. Only basic nail polish application is recommended—avoid other specialty services.
Petroleum jelly can be applied to nails to moisturize and act as a barrier cream, helping protect them from everyday damage. You can also consider using a hydro-soluble nail strengthener. Ask your healthcare team or pharmacist for recommendations on products specifically designed to strengthen brittle nails during treatment.
Yes, as long as skin isn’t scratched or broken and you tolerate it.
Recovery timelines:
Fingernails: Nails grow one millimetre per month, so full recovery takes six to twelve months. Bumpy ridges are from treatment interrupting nail growth—they’ll grow out normally.
Toenails: Toenails grow half a millimetre per month, so full regrowth takes twelve to eighteen months, especially the big toe.
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- Gentle compression to reduce swelling
- Front closure for easier wear
- Seamless, soft fabrics to prevent irritation
- Typically 2 to 6 weeks, or as advised by your surgeon
- Post-surgical camisoles offer support and help manage surgical drains
- Yes! Many post-op camisoles have built-in pockets to hold and secure drainage tubes comfortably.
Try a leisure bra:
- No underwire
- Soft, breathable fabric
- Gentle support to reduce tension and discomfort
- Yes, the terms can be used interchangeably. They are designed to replicate the shape and feel of a natural breast.
- No. It’s a solid, molded silicone form with a soft, realistic texture.
- Temporary forms (cotton/foam): lightweight and ideal for day and night
- Silicone forms: heavier and realistic; these best for daytime wear after healing
- Yes! Lightweight or swim-friendly prostheses are available for active lifestyles.
- Standard silicone: $200–$400
- Lightweight/specialty: $300–$600
- Custom-made: Up to $1,000+
Check if your provincial health plan or private insurance offers coverage.
- No. Fitters usually have forms you can try during your fitting. (You can always call and ask this in advance of your fitting).
- Post-surgical bras are for healing; soft, stretchy, wire-free, often with drain pockets
- Mastectomy bras are for everyday wear; includes pockets to hold prostheses
- Front-closure, wire-free bras with light compression
- Post-op: soft and adjustable
- After healing: padded bras or those with pockets for added symmetry
No. Comfort is key.
Consider:
- Leisure bras
- Camisoles with built-in bras
- Soft bralettes or seamless camisoles
- Yes! Specialty stores offer low-back, strapless, or front-closure options, some with built-in or removable prostheses.
- Use contoured or asymmetrical forms with tapered wings to fill underarm areas and smooth side bulges
Nightwear & Sleep Support
- Pocketed nightgowns or PJs for temporary breast forms
- Sleep bras (soft and pocketed)
- Camisoles with built-in shelf bras
- Add sewn-in pockets to your favourite sleepwear
- Rinse with lukewarm water
- Use mild soap and a soft cloth
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry
- Store in a breathable container
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent
- Wash by hand or use a lingerie bag on a gentle cycle
- Avoid bleach, fabric softener, or hot water
Skincare During Radiation
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers
- Wear loose, soft clothing (cotton or bamboo)
- Avoid sun exposure; use a mineral sunscreen if you must put sunscreen near your radiation area
- Cool compresses and thermal spring water spray can help soothe irritation
- Ask your doctor about topical steroids if irritation occurs
Nipple Appearance Options
- Prosthetic nipples (reusable, adhesive silicone)
- 3D nipple tattoos (semi-permanent)
- Surgical reconstruction
- Stick-on temporary tattoos
- Bras or prostheses with built-in nipples
- Specialty lingerie or mastectomy boutiques
- Medical supply stores
- Some large hospitals or department stores
- Yes, in Canada, it may qualify. Keep your receipts and check with CRA or a tax advisor.
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The Basics
The Three Basic Steps Are:
Step 1 – Cleanse
A facial cleanser will remove dirt and dry flaky skin and help stimulate circulation.
Look for products that say GENTLE, for SENSITIVE SKIN or for ECEZMA
Ideally, use a facial cleanser twice a day – morning and night
You can use a gentle body wash for the rest of your body
Have flaky skin, black heads or ingrown hairs?
Consider a gentle exfoliator once a week to get a deeper clean. Use it right before cleansing to leave the skin looking smoother, clearer and brighter. Again – look for a gentle option during treatment and try testing on a small area first.
Step 2 – Moisturizer
Moisturizer is hands down the most straightforward and effective way to keep your skin in top shape – apply after washing and patting dry your face.
While most men generally have oilier skin than women, treatment can have an drying effect your skin, so staying hydrated (both inside and out!) is fundamental.
Don’t forget LIP BALM – your lips may be extra dry or chapped during treatment. Keep things simple with a hypoallergenic lip balm with an SPF to keep you moisturized and prevent burning during the day.
Step 3 – Sunscreen
This is an absolute must-have!
One of the most prevalent side-effects of treatment is sun sensitivity
It is essential to wear daily sunscreen protection with a minimum of SPF30
Some Extras to Consider:
Hand Cream
Hydration is a key element in maintaining your skin during this time. Keep a hand cream by your sink.
Body Cream & Lotion
Having a body moisturizer will more than earn its place in your daily care while undergoing treatment. Dryness, irritation and possible skin cracking are all things you want to avoid so laying on the lotion is more than worth the effort. Apply after you shower or bathe, and throughout the day as needed.
Tinted Moisturizer & Concealer
There are some great tinted products out there that are very light-weight and natural. These products help minimize any redness, uneven skin tone and/or dark circles under the eyes. Always look for fragrance free hypo-allergenic products when picking up your grooming essentials as treatment can make even the most robust of skin a little more sensitive.
Experiencing side effects?
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Sun Care and Safety during Cancer Treatment
Radiation and chemotherapy treatments, as well as some medications, can increase your susceptibility to sunburn and skin damage. Sun care is especially important when you are undergoing treatment.
Receiving Radiation?
As a general rule, no sun exposure is a good idea when you’re receiving radiation treatment if the site of the treatment is exposed skin. Your doctor may not want you to put sunscreen or any cream on while you’re receiving radiation treatment as the skin is prone to injury at that time.
Important!
Always check with your radiation oncologist before applying sunscreen and exposing a treatment area to the sun.
Sun Safety During Treatment
Apply sun protection daily and liberally – a dollop about the size of a golf ball – to all exposed skin, such as the lips, ears, scalp, sides, and back of neck
Get in the habit of applying sun protection every morning, about 20 to 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply often – about every two hours
Remember that you’re still exposed to UVA/UVB rays even in shady areas. If you’re indoors, windows do not protect against UVA rays
Stay inside during the intense-sun hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear clothing especially formulated with SPF when you have to go out into strong sun.
Don’t forget to wear a hat…
preferably one with a wide brim of about three inches.
Don’t forget your eyes…
they need protection too. Wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection.
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Body Image after Cancer Treatment and Surgery
For many people living with cancer or in remission, changes in appearance can be a major source of concern and anxiety. This is not vanity. Much of our identity is related to our physical appearance from how we wear our hair to what clothes we choose. Body shape and size, including breasts, are often tied to a sense of self, self-expression, sexuality, and self-esteem.
Appearance Related Side-effects
Appearance-related impacts of cancer can be temporary (like hair loss and skin changes) or more permanent (like surgery or scarring). They can all affect a person at a time when they may already feel vulnerable, which can negatively impact their mental and emotional health.
For anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, there’s enough to cope with emotionally without also feeling that there’s no space to speak about body image issues or that it is somehow selfish or vain to worry about them. For Dee-Jay Jodoin, a B.C. woman in remission, changes to her physical appearance like hair loss and weight gain were hard to accept.
The Physical and Emotional Connection
“People going through cancer treatment often experience a change in their body image and in their relationship with their body,” says Monique Voorn, a social worker at the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre in Barrie, Ontario. “They may be unhappy about how their appearance has changed, whether they’ve had breast surgery or scars they don’t like, or lymphedema. Sometimes, a woman may not have had significant visual changes to her body but feels like her body has failed her or that she can’t count on it.”
There can also be physical changes that a person may not expect. “With radiation, there are skin changes,” notes Larissa Dyck, an oncology nurse in Calgary, Alta. “The area that’s treated darken and may take a while to fade, and skin can get tighter and be uncomfortable for some patients, causing a loss of range of motion.”
Keloids – a type of raised scar that can arise after a surgery. These can be a particular concern for Black women specifically.
Weight can be an issue, too. Being on hormones can cause weight changes that can turn women’s body image completely upside down and they can get really down on themselves.
It takes time for women to recognize and appreciate the full impact of the changes they’ve undergone during their cancer journey. “It’s often near the end of treatment when it really hits women what they’ve been through and all the changes they’ve undergone – physical and otherwise,” says Dyck. “When patients are finished their treatment, they expect things to go back to normal — but they may still be on long-term hormones or medication, and that’s when it can be really hard. They expect their bodies to just bounce back, and they want to go back to work and exercise, but things aren’t the same as before.”
Empowerment is Different for Every Person
While physical symptoms can affect a person in a finite number of ways, the emotional experience is different for everyone.
“When some women lose their hair with chemo, they’ll proudly wear a head scarf. Other women have a complete loss of identity and want to wear a wig. They may fear that their partners won’t be attracted to them.”
Larissa Dyck
– Oncology nurse from Calgary, Alberta
“There’s a wave or rollercoaster ride of emotions in any type of cancer. There’s a lot of grief. We grieve all kinds of changes or losses in our lives that cancer brings — to your body, to your innocence, and to the carefree way that you may have used to experience life.”
Monique Voon
– Social Worker from Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre
Every person’s experience, perspective, and cancer journey are unique
They want to be listened to as individuals, and they don’t want assumptions to be made about how they feel about their body. Allowing and accepting different experiences, reactions, and stages of grieving is part of the process. Every decision – from choosing a wig versus scarf, or breast reconstruction versus breast forms or living flat – is personal and empowering to each person
With the right tools and support, each person can gain confidence in their ability to restore or renew their sense of self — however they may choose to define it.
There are many programs offering practical and emotional support, as well as individual options. Share your concerns with your medical team and ask for help. Check out your hospital’s resource library. Join a Look Good Feel Better workshop, where you’ll find both practical advice and the opportunity to connect with others who understand what you are going through.
EVERY DAY WE HELP PEOPLE FEEL LIKE THEMSELVES AGAIN
Look Good Feel Better workshops help women, men and teens with cancer learn how to manage the physical, social and emotional impacts of cancer and its treatment in small and supportive groups.
Skincare & Makeup: Learn how to care for sensitive skin plus tips & techniques for managing the loss of brows and lashes, adding colour back to the face, makeup hygiene, and sun safety.
Bras & Prostheses: Learn about options available for post-surgery and beyond, what to expect at a breast form fitting, tips for where to find financial coverage, and more.
Wigs & Scarves: See a demonstration on various head coverings, what to consider when selecting a wig, easy scarf-tying techniques, plus caring for your scalp during and after treatment.
Teens: This special workshop just for teens includes skincare, on-trend make-up tips to feel your best and a demonstration of fun styles for caps, wraps, and hair alternatives.
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