Fraser Coast women undergoing cancer treatment learned how to help manage the physical side-effects of their treatment at a free workshop at St Stephen’s Hospital Hervey Bay today (Monday 20 April).
The Look Good Feel Better women’s workshop showed participants how to manage the changes that can occur in their skin, hair and appearance as a result of cancer treatment. The workshop was available to women diagnosed with cancer who are undergoing or about to undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other forms of treatment.
St Stephen’s Hospital Acting General Manager Rae Priaulx said St Stephen’s was pleased to host the workshop to support oncology patients on the Fraser Coast.
“Cancer treatment, and the appearance changes it can bring, can be a very difficult journey for many of the thousands of Australians diagnosed with cancer every year. St Stephen’s Hospital is committed to providing the highest standard of care and supporting patients wherever possible,” Ms Priaulx said.
Look Good Feel Better Queensland Program Manager Carol Fazel said the workshops, which are run by experienced volunteers from the beauty industry, were intended to be an uplifting way to help restore participants’ self-image during their treatment.
“Our workshops allow participants to take their minds off what they are going through with their treatment, meet others in similar circumstances, and try some new techniques using make-up, skin care, wigs, scarves and hats,” Ms Fazel said.
Participants received a complimentary confidence kit and instruction guide, including products designed for their skin tone and eye colour.
Wondunna resident Karlie Holloway, 45, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2014. She commenced chemotherapy treatment in January 2015 and attended a Look Good Feel Better workshop at St Stephen’s Hospital in February.
Ms Holloway said she was pleased to have attended the workshop as it made her feel more prepared for the side-effects of her treatment.
“I’d always had long, blonde hair, so when it started falling out after my first round of chemo it was confronting – my hair was part of my identity,” Ms Holloway said.
“At some places you don’t feel comfortable taking off your headscarf after undergoing chemo, but the atmosphere at the workshop made me feel completely at ease.
“The volunteers gave me some great tips to help with the loss of my eyelashes and eyebrows – for example, how to pencil in the perfect brow, and to avoid wearing mascara because it can further weaken the eyelashes. I also really appreciated the lovely confidence kit I received with the makeup products matched to my skin and eye colour.
“I left the workshop feeling happier and rejuvenated. It was wonderful to come together with others going through the same challenges, share a cuppa and learn tips to boost our confidence.”
The Look Good Feel Better program has provided free workshops for 25 years and is an initiative of the Cancer Patients Foundation. The program has attracted more than 118,000 participants in Australia and now offers approximately 1,000 workshops in more than 180 venues nationwide.