Years ago when I was younger, if I was having a bad day, my mother always pointed out, āat least your hair looks nice!ā It was a comfort; I may have been having a bad day, but it wasn’t a bad hair day. Hair is undoubtedly one of the first things people notice about us, and is used by many as a form of self-expression. It wouldn’t be uncommon to describe your hairstyle to someone you would be meeting for the first time, to help them identify you in a crowd. Hair plays a crucial role in how we view ourselves, our identity, and our self-esteem.
Now imagine not having any hair. Hair loss (alopecia) is one of the most noticeable physical alterations cancer treatments inflict on people. The reason for this is that radiation and chemotherapy target fast-growing cells -such as cancer cells- for destruction. Unfortunately, hair follicles also use fast-growing cells and are therefore affected by cancer treatment, resulting in hair loss. Chemo and radiation can take more than just the hair on one’s head; some people lose their eyebrows and eyelashes as well. Alopecia is considered a reversible effect of treatment, so not as much research has been done on how to prevent it. Reversible or not, hair loss related to cancer has a big impact on those affected by it, especially as it relates to mental health. To highlight this psychological impact, the European Journal of Oncology Nursing states that approximately 8% of women decline chemotherapy because they don’t want to lose their hair.
Adequate physical health is unachievable without proper mental health, and for cancer patients, the dance between the two worlds is a difficult one. To begin with, a cancer diagnosis indicates physical unwellness. Chemo exacerbates this, destroying your natural immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Therefore you must avoid people, places, and the germs that come with them to increase your chances of survival. You will be dealing with feelings of isolation. Beyond that, chemo means your body will experience changes like nausea-related weight loss or alopecia, which means you literally wonāt look like yourself. Family, friends and neighbors may not comment on this, but they will look at you differently. And even if they donāt, you will look at yourself differently. The importance of therapists for cancer patients is imperative, and one thing a therapist may recommend is getting a wig.
False hair and eyelashes are not a cop-out for cancer-related mental health struggles; they are a tool. When you feel better about yourself, you take better care of yourself. Looking good literally helps you feel good. Weāve all heard the saying ādress for the job you want, not the job you haveā but the same concept applies for daily things like your mental health. While hair loss can be prevented in some cases where the scalp is directly experiencing radiation and in patients with leukemia or lymphoma and cold caps can be used, there is no assurance this works for everyone, and is contraindicated in some cancers and some cancer treatments. False hair is safe and easy to use while undergoing treatment, and there are plenty of resources for patients.
Free wigs around the country and the world can be found here.
Wigs and Wishes has partnered with Salons in the US and Australia to provide customized wigs to cancer patients. All you need to do is enter your zip code and find the nearest participating salon!
Best of all, the Leukemia and Lymphoma society has compiled a webpage with multiple resources for cancer patients looking to give themselve a little razzle dazzle. Free wigs for children, scarves, hats, beanies, free jewelry, even virtual make-up workshops!
Whether looking into getting a wig for yourself or for a loved one, know that you have a community of support. Dive deeper into the issues cancer causes on body image in this blog post by therapist and cancer survivor Brian Quintas.Ā Here to Serve has many other resources for childhood cancer patients and young parents facing a cancer diagnosis who don’t qualify for traditional assistance. Please reach out, you’re not alone; Here to Serve is here for you.
References
- Boland, V., Brady, A.-M., & Drury, A. (2020). The physical, psychological and social experiences of alopecia among women receiving chemotherapy: An integrative literature review. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 49, 101840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101840
- Harrington, J. M. (2011). Implications of treatment on body image and quality of life. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 27(4), 290ā299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2011.07.007 https://www.clinicalkey.com/nursing/#!/content/journal/1-s2.0-S0749208111000714
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/cancer-drugs/side-effects/hair-loss-and-thinning#:~:text=Cold%20caps%20(scalp%20cooling),the%20amount%20of%20hair%20loss.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/in-depth/hair-loss/art-20046920#:~:text=Chemotherapy%20uses%20powerful%20medicines%20that,not%20just%20on%20your%20scalp.
About The Author
Rachel Peach Fenske, BSN, has worked in healthcare for over a decade, and the past six years as a nurse. Additionally, she is a healthcare freelance writer and cares for her two elderly parents who have multiple health problems. Having worked in many different healthcare settings, Rachel has seen the triumphs and changes the years (and the pandemic) have wrought on the clinical landscape. She feels the current system is failing many people in a myriad of ways, which is what drew her to volunteer for Here to Serve. This non-profit organization makes sure nobody ā regardless of their situation ā falls through cancerās healthcare cracks. Here to Serve helps in unique, community-minded ways that empower families, who otherwise would be left floundering amid the life-changing chaos that cancer creates.