Program Helps Cancer Patients

Overcome Effects of Treatment

WILTON — For women undergoing cancer treatment, the appearance-related side effects can be devastating.

The American Cancer Society works to help improve the quality of life for cancer patients with a program that teaches beauty and self-image techniques to help restore self-esteem and cope with the side-efforts of chemotherapy and radiation.

Look Good, Feel Better is a free, community based, national program of the American Cancer Society that uses the volunteer services of licensed cosmetologists to offer programs covering makeup, skincare, nail care, and options related to hair loss, such as wigs, turbans, and scarves.

Of the dozens of anticancer treatments, each with its own set of possible side effects, some of the effects of treatment include thinning or loss of hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, skin tone discoloration, and changes in nail texture and growth rate.

 “Look Good…Feel Better is as much about improving and maintaining self-image and confidence as it is about appearance,” said Michelle Wolf, ACS area director of cancer control. “Patients enjoy the opportunity to spend time in a relaxed setting with others in the same situation. And the free makeup and consultation from professionals helps them look and feel better.”

The Wilton office of the American Cancer Society was the recipient of a donation of more than 300 wigs from a Rhode Island-based company. A diverse selection of hair colors and styles are available at no cost to cancer patients at the American Cancer Society office at 372 Danbury Road in Wilton, as well as at health care facilities offering Look Good…Feel Better programs.

This complimentary program is scheduled regularly throughout the year at Danbury Hospital-Praxair Cancer Center, Bridgeport Hospital, the Norma Pfriem Cancer Center, St Vincent’s Medical Center, Norwalk Hospital, Stamford Hospital, Greenwich Hospital Benheim Cancer Center, Center for Cancer Care, and New Milford Hospital.

Look Good…Feel Better is a partnership with the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. While participants do receive a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop, the program is product neutral. Volunteers and program participants do not promote any product line or manufacturer. All cosmetics used in the group program have been donated.

For more information, 800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.