Program helps women overcome effects of cancer treatment

- http://www.bcrnews.com

Created: Monday, January 16, 2012 11:08 a.m. CST

In January and March, the Look Good…Feel Better program will be offered to residents of Bureau County and surrounding areas.

This free program is a joint effort between the American Cancer Society, the National Cosmetology Association and the Personal Care Products Council Foundation that teaches beauty techniques to women who are actively undergoing cancer treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. The session is free, but registration is requested to ensure the proper make-up kit and materials are available for each participant.

The next session will be from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 23 at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley. The program will also be offered from 10 a.m. to noon March 19 at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton. To register for either program, or for additional information, contact Rachel Robinson at the American Cancer Society at 815-229-1287 or 800-227-2345 (press 3 for immediate attention).

“Look Good…Feel Better is as much about improving and maintaining self-image and confidence as it is about appearance,” said Nicole Killion, patient services representative with the American Cancer Society. “Patients enjoy the opportunity to spend time in a relaxed, non-medical setting with others in the same situation. And the free make-up and instruction from professionals helps them look and feel better.”

According to the American Cancer Society, there are dozens of anti-cancer drugs in use today, each with its own set of possible side effects. Possible appearance-related effects of chemotherapy and radiation include: hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows or lashes; weight gain or loss; changes in skin pigmentation and texture; skin oiliness, itchiness or peeling; and alterations in nail texture and growth rate.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The Illinois division has more than 120,000 volunteers and staff fighting cancer in the state. For the most up-to-date cancer related information and to join the fight against cancer, call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.