Expert advice for
your skin, nails
and hair during
cancer treatment.
Cancer information
and support.
From Macmillan
and Boots.
Cancer may be the toughest fight you have
to face but remember you are not alone.
You might start to see certain changes in
your appearance during and after treatment.
But Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors are
here to help.
Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors are No7 Advisors,
based in some Boots stores, who have been trained
by Boots UK and Macmillan to provide support to
people living with cancer.
You may find that some of the side effects of treatment
are having an impact on how you feel about yourself.
If you want to manage or disguise any changes to your
appearance, this leaflet has useful information to help
you do this. This can go some way to helping you feel
good again.
You will find expert hints and tips from our Boots
Macmillan Beauty Advisors about coping with changes
to your skin, nails and hair during cancer treatment.
Read on to find out more about what to expect from
certain cancer treatments, suggestions about dealing
with changes to your appearance, and where to go
for further support in your local area.
Leaflet contents:
• How cancer treatments may affect your appearance
• Changes to skin, nails and hair (including eyebrows
and eyelashes)
• Your feelings
• Further information – how you can get further support
• Other useful organisations
1
You can also access all the information in this booklet
at macmillan.org.uk/visiblesideeffects
As well as reading this leaflet, you may also find it helpful
to speak to a Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor. They can
give you face to face advice about caring for your skin,
nails and hair.
They can also show you how to use products to disguise
changes or enhance any facial features to help you look
and feel good. Visit boots.com/storelocator to find your
nearest Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor.
If a Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor isn’t available in
your area, you should still be able to get support locally.
A number of hospitals and support groups run workshops
about coping with the visible effects of cancer treatment.
You can ask your cancer nurse specialist or oncology
team about the services that are available in your area,
or call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
‘Many think it's just older people who are
affected by cancer – it's not. It can hit anyone.
For me it's about helping these people get their
confidence back by offering them simple tips
on what to do and not to do. Seeing them feel
more confident at the end of a session is such
a positive experience.’
Sam Brady, Boots Macmillan
Beauty Advisor, Marldon
2
3
How cancer treatments
may affect your appearance
Changes to the condition and appearance
of your skin, nails and hair depend on the
type of cancer treatment you’re having.
This chapter gives a brief overview of some
common cancer treatments and how they
can affect your skin, nails and hair.
Chemotherapy
This treatment is the most common cause of hair,
nail and skin changes. Most people know that some
chemotherapy treatments can cause hair loss from the
head, but fewer people know that other areas of your
body may be affected too. This can include hair loss
from eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, underarm hair
and pubic hair.
Chemotherapy may affect your fingernails and toenails
too. Your nails may become more brittle and develop
lines or ridges.
During treatment your skin may become dry and more
sensitive. Steroids are often given with chemotherapy,
which may make your skin more prone to spots
and reddening.
4
Hormonal therapy
This is used to treat cancers such as breast and
prostate cancer, and can affect your skin, nails and
hair. These effects are usually mild, but some people
have more noticeable hair loss. Hormonal therapies
may also cause dry skin, rashes, or in some rare
cases, spots.
Targeted therapy (also called biological therapy)
Targeted therapies use drugs that mimic substances that
are naturally present in the body to destroy cancer cells.
Some targeted therapies, such as cetuximab, erlotinib,
gefitinib, panitumumab and lapatinib can cause skin,
hair and nail changes. They can make your skin drier
and more sensitive. Skin rashes are also common.
These treatments may cause hair loss from the head,
but they can also make hair grow thicker or longer
in other parts of the body.
Your cancer nurse specialist or oncology team will give
you specific advice on how to manage these changes
if you’re prescribed a targeted therapy.
5
‘When I was having chemotherapy my entire
complexion became very dull. It becomes
easy to forget to focus on how you look on
the outside, or to even know where to start
to make yourself feel better. Reconnecting
with how you look on the outside is the first
step to longer-term recovery.’
Venus Otar, 41, from Nottingham
‘I want to be there for my
customers because I really care
about making them feel good
about themselves. And the
training I’ve had from Boots
and Macmillan means that
I have a better awareness
of what people with cancer
may be facing.’
Karen White, Boots Macmillan
Beauty Advisor, Northwich
6
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy can cause changes to your skin and hair,
but only in the area(s) being treated. If you’re having
radiotherapy, you’ll be told how to look after the skin
and hair in the area(s) being treated. You should only
use products in the affected area(s) that are
recommended by one of your radiotherapy team.
For detailed information about a particular treatment type,
call the Macmillan Support Line on 0800 808 00 00.
You can also order Macmillan’s free information booklets
from be.macmillan.org.uk
7
Changes to skin
Depending on the type of treatment you have, and how
you react to it, your skin may become:
• dry
• more sensitive to sunlight
• sore in some areas, such as the palms of your hands
and the soles of your feet
• redder (if you have light skin), or darker with a blue
or black tinge (if you have dark skin)
• more sensitive to some underarm deodorants,
perfumes or perfumed products.
You may also develop a rash, particularly if you’re being
treated with a targeted therapy.
If you develop any pain or a rash, tell your cancer
nurse specialist or oncology team, as they can give
you treatment that will help.
8
Looking after dry skin
If you have very dry skin, these tips may help:
• C
lean your body with lukewarm water and
non-perfumed bath and shower oils.
• Avoid using soap, as this will dry your skin out
even more.
• If your skin feels sensitive or you’re receiving targeted
therapies as part of your treatment, avoid using
perfumed or coloured skin products.
• Avoid long, hot showers or soaking in the bath,
as hot water dries out the skin.
• Pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.
Try these tips for cleansing your face:
• U
se a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the moisture out
of your skin. Creamy formulations could be a good
option, but make sure you apply the product carefully
and avoid your eyes.
• Remove cleansers with a damp cotton wool pad
or a clean, damp flannel. This will leave your skin
feeling soft and clean.
• If you’re using a toner, stay away from products
that contain alcohol, as these can also dry out
your skin. A skin freshener without alcohol would
be more suitable.
9
‘My skin used to be quite oily, but
chemotherapy changed it completely,
and it became very dry and flaky. It was
difficult going back to the drawing board
– everything I’d normally use didn’t
really work for me any more.’
Vicki Whittaker-Stokes, 40, from Derby
‘I had a lady in whose
husband was going through
cancer treatment and was
having problems with
dry skin. So I talked her
through the options and
recommended a moisturiser
for men.’
Jay Hickson,
Boots Macmillan Beauty
Advisor, Manchester
10
Using moisturiser
Use a moisturiser at least once a day on your face
and body if you have dry skin.
Some moisturising ingredients will help leave the
skin feeling more comfortable and nourished.
Look for rich and creamy moisturisers with some
of the following ingredients:
•
•
•
•
•
ceramides
cholesterol
glycerin
hyaluronic acid
shea butter or cocoa butter.
Moisturisers that contain oatmeal can also be soothing
for dry or sore skin.
Try tying a muslin bag filled with oatmeal over your
bath tap and letting the water run through. This is
a great way to make bath-time a soothing and
skin-softening experience.
If your skin is very dry, it can become itchy. Using an
emollient cream that contains oatmeal, menthol or 10%
urea may help relieve the itchiness. Ask your cancer
nurse specialist or oncology team for advice – they
may prescribe you something to reduce itching.
If you’re having radiotherapy or targeted therapies,
the staff at the hospital will advise you on how to
care for your skin. Check with them before using
any skin products.
11
Looking after oily skin
The following tips will help you look after your skin during
cancer treatment:
• A
wash-off cleanser could be a good option if you
have oily skin. Remember to work the cleanser into
your skin well, before washing it off.
• Using a soft flannel or muslin cloth can help remove
the last traces of cleanser, which can make your skin
feel even cleaner.
• Be careful not to overwork your skin – avoid
exfoliating products or harsh products that strip
the skin of moisture.
• A good cleanser and a light, oil-free moisturiser
should help keep your skin in good condition.
If your skin is usually oily, you may notice it becomes
less so during chemotherapy treatment.
Changes in your skin tone
You may notice changes in skin tone as your treatment
goes on. The following tips may help.
Using foundation
• If you wear foundation, you may need to change from
your usual shade.
• Choose a base colour that isn’t visible at your jawline.
A tinted moisturiser can work well if you’re not used
to wearing a lot of make-up. Or a light-coverage
foundation will help even out the tone of your skin.
12
Applying a bronzer
• Use a make-up brush to apply a bronzer lightly
to your forehead, cheekbones and chin to add
natural-looking contour to your face.
• Start slowly when applying colour to your face –
begin by adding a small amount and gently build
this up. The colour should look more natural if you
use a large brush to apply the bronzer.
You could speak to a Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisor
about other make-up options to enhance your skin tone.
Flushed skin
A green-tinted primer can help tone down rosy skin and
even out the colouring on your cheeks, nose and chin.
But try to use these products sparingly. When applying
the primer, pat it gently into your skin – rubbing your skin
could make the redness even worse.
If you have flushed skin, try using a medium-coverage
foundation with sun protection. Make sure the foundation
matches the areas of your face that are less red. Pat the
foundation over the primer to avoid disturbing it.
Rashes or spots
If you develop a rash, always get it checked by your
cancer nurse specialist or oncology team straightaway.
They will know the cause and be able to give you
some advice.
Some targeted therapies can cause a rash that looks very
similar to acne. However, this rash isn’t caused by acne,
and anti-acne products will make the problem worse.
Your cancer nurse specialist or oncology team can give
you treatment that will help.
13
General tips
Whatever type of skin you have, the tips below may help:
• P
rotect yourself in the sun with minimum factor SP30
suncream with at least four or five UVA stars.
• Avoid staying in the sun, especially during the hottest times of the day.
• Wear a hat or scarf on your head when it’s sunny.
• Wear loose clothes made of cotton or natural fibres.
• Use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®) or a lip balm
on dry or sore lips. If you’re having radiotherapy,
your cancer nurse specialist or oncology team may
suggest using a water-soluble lubricant, such as
K-Y Jelly®, during your treatment.
• Protect your skin from the damage caused by
scratching. Keep nails short using an emery board.
Clean and rub the itchy area rather than scratching it.
• If you get a rash or itchy skin, speak to your cancer
specialist who will prescribe medicines or creams.
• Use an electric shaver instead of wet-shaving to
minimise the risk of cuts. If you’ve had treatment in
an area where you would normally shave, ask your
cancer nurse specialist or oncology team for their
advice about shaving.
• If the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet
are sore, speak to your specialist. They may need to
adjust the dosage of your treatment.
14
15
Changes to nails
Chemotherapy or targeted therapy may make your
fingernails and toenails grow more slowly or become
brittle or flaky. You may notice white lines appearing
across them, or changes in the shape or colour of your
nails. Nails may, on occasion, become painful and be
lost altogether.
If your nails become painful or swollen, see your cancer
nurse specialist or oncology team, as this may be due
to an infection that needs treatment.
Nails should go back to normal after chemotherapy
or targeted therapy ends.
What you can do
During treatment, there are a number of things you
can do to manage and disguise changes to your nails:
• U
se a nail-strengthening cream.
• Use a hand, foot and nail cream regularly.
• Nail varnish will help minimise the appearance of
discoloured nails, but don’t use nail varnish if your
nails are split or sore.
• Massaging a good cuticle cream into your cuticles
will help prevent dryness, splitting and hangnails.
Do not cut your cuticles.
• Use an emery board rather than cutting your
nails. This will keep them short and smooth
and avoid snagging.
16
• If you’re filing your nails, draw the emery board
across your nail in one direction only, instead of
using a sawing action. This can help prevent nails
splitting further.
• Wear gloves while doing household chores, especially
the washing-up. Excessive exposure to water can lead
to fungal infections of the nail bed.
• Don’t use false nails during treatment or when nails
are sore or damaged.
• Wear comfortable shoes that aren’t too tight.
‘Some people experience discoloured,
dry, brittle and cracked nails during
cancer treatment. Sometimes they have
ridges or lines on their nails. In certain
circumstances, nails can fall off due
to treatment. I generally advise people
experiencing these problems to wear
gloves when washing up or gardening
and to moisturise to protect their nails.’
Julie Kiernan, Macmillan
Gynae-Oncology Clinical Nurse
Specialist, Manchester
17
Changes to hair
Some cancer treatments cause changes
to the texture and condition of hair.
They may also cause hair thinning
or complete hair loss.
Hair loss depends on the type of treatment you have,
the combination of drugs used, the dose, and how the
drugs affect you personally. If you’re having radiotherapy,
the hair in the treatment area may be affected but other
areas won’t be.
Hair usually grows back after cancer treatment
has finished.
For certain types of chemotherapy, hair loss may be
prevented or reduced by using a cold cap. This works by
reducing blood flow and the amount of drugs reaching
the scalp. Your cancer nurse specialist or oncology team
can tell you if this kind of treatment is suitable for you.
It’s helpful to have your hair short before starting any
treatment that may cause hair loss. This is because the
weight of long hair can pull on the scalp and can make
the hair fall out faster. For some people, cutting their
hair short before treatment helps them feel in control
of their appearance.
Wearing a wig
If you’re considering wearing a wig, ask about your
options early on so that the wig can be as close
a match as possible to your normal hair. The other
advantage of arranging a wig early is that you’ll
already be prepared if you lose your hair more
quickly than expected. It also gives you a chance
to get used to the wig before you really need it.
18
NHS wigs are free if you live in Scotland or Wales.
Health Service wigs are free if you live in Northern
Ireland. In England, you may be entitled to a free
wig on the NHS if you’re having, or have had,
cancer treatment and meet certain criteria.
Visit macmillan.org.uk/hairloss or speak to
your cancer nurse specialist or oncology team
to find out more.
Other options for covering up hair loss include:
• hats
• s carves
• turbans.
It’s important to do what makes you feel most
comfortable.
‘12 days after my first chemotherapy
session I noticed that my lovely long blonde
hair was starting to fall out. At 14 days
it was coming out in handfuls and I was
completely distraught. This was one of the
most traumatic times of my life.’
Michaela Pearce, 46, from Nottingham
19
20
What you can do
• Avoid combing your hair if it’s brittle or if your scalp
is dry, as this can make your hair fall out faster.
• Use a soft brush or babies’ brush.
• Avoid using hairdryers, straighteners and
curling tongs.
• Some people choose to wear a hairnet to bed to catch
any hair that falls out.
• Consider using hats and scarves to protect your head
from the sun or cold wind if you’re not wearing a wig.
These will also add a bit of colour and style.
Macmillan’s booklet Coping with hair loss has more
detailed information and practical tips to help you look
after your hair during and after cancer treatment.
‘Many women with cancer lose
their hair, their eyebrows, their
eyelashes, and with it, their
confidence. Seeing what these
ladies go through makes it
even more important to be able
to give something back to them
by offering tips and advice on
how to apply make-up.’
Sam Brady,
Boots Macmillan Beauty
Advisor, Marldon
21
Changes to eyebrows
and eyelashes
Some cancer treatments affect the eyebrows
and eyelashes. This could mean that they
become thinner or fall out completely.
Losing your eyebrows and eyelashes can change your
appearance, and this can be upsetting. But remember
that eyebrows and eyelashes usually grow back.
The amount of hair that falls out depends on the type
or combination of drugs used, the dose, and how the
drugs affect you personally.
You may find that you lose your eyelashes and eyebrows
later than the hair on your head – perhaps after
treatment has ended. Or it can happen more gradually
during treatment.
You can learn to create new eyebrows with an eyebrow
pencil if you want to, or use false eyelashes.
Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors can help you with
the techniques described in this chapter. You can
also see an advice video about these techniques at
boots.com/macmillan
22
23
Eyebrows
You can redraw eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil
that is slightly lighter than your normal hair colour.
Another natural-looking way to redraw the eyebrows
is by applying eyeshadow powder with a make-up brush.
Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors can show you how
to redraw your eyebrows, as it can be daunting to try
this at first if you’re not used to it. You can also visit
boots.com/macmillan to watch a video about
redrawing your eyebrows.
Creating natural-looking eyebrows
• If possible, practise drawing on your eyebrows
before your treatment begins so you can get used to
following the shape and arch of your brow. You may
want to take a close-up photo of yourself before your
treatment, so you can remember exactly where your
eyebrows were and what they looked like.
• Try drawing a dot of colour above the outer and
inner corners of each eye, and a dot where you
think you’ll create any arch. This way, you can
then check for symmetry before you start drawing
(see the illustration below).
24
• U
se your brow bone and your eyes to identify where
your brows should be. Place the brow pencil alongside
your nose and skirt the outer corner of your eye at a
45˚angle (see the illustration below). This shows where
a natural brow would start and finish.
• U
se a lighter pencil than your normal hair colour.
Draw from the centre of the brow line outward, using
light, feathery strokes (see the illustration below).
Plenty of tiny strokes with the pencil will look more
realistic than a single line.
25
• C
reate a brow that’s thicker-looking at the inner end
(nearest to the nose) and thinner at the outer edge.
• Light pressure is all that’s needed, and then comb
through the colour with an eyebrow wand to give
a more natural appearance.
• Check for symmetry when you move on to your other
eye (see the illustration below). Remember though that
no two brows are identical, so just make them look
more or less the same, not identical.
Some people choose to have permanent or temporary
tattooing to create new eyebrows. This should not be
done during treatment. For more information, visit
macmillan.org.uk/hairloss or call the Macmillan
Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
Long and thick eyebrows
If you’re receiving certain types of targeted therapy,
your eyebrows may grow long and thick. It’s fine to
trim them if this happens.
26
Eyelashes
If your eyelashes have become thinner or have fallen out
completely, there are a number of things you could try:
• U
se a soft eyeliner and smudger to define your eyes
and create the illusion of eyelashes.
• Lift the skin at your eyebrow when applying the
make-up (see the illustration below). This will tighten
your skin and make the pencil easier to apply.
• U
se soft strokes along the eyelash line, by applying
a smudger to soften the line and push colour further
into the lashes.
• Apply the make-up lightly to ensure the eyelashes
are well defined and look natural (see the
illustration below).
27
• If you have eyelashes, use a gentle teasing action
when applying mascara.
• You may find that using a mascara wand with short
bristles is easier to use on short and sparse eyelashes
than a longer, eyelash-extending wand.
Long or inward-growing eyelashes
If your eyelashes grow very long or grow inwards,
it can irritate your eye and you may need to have your
eyelashes trimmed by a nurse. You should never try
to do this yourself, but always get advice from your
doctor or nurse.
What you can do
• Avoid eyelash curlers, as they can damage
fragile eyelashes.
• To remove eye make-up, hold a cotton pad soaked
in eye make-up remover to the eye for a couple of
seconds, before gently wiping away. This avoids
unnecessary pulling of the lashes.
• Consider using mascara that will dissolve in warm
water if your eyes are sensitive.
• Avoid waterproof mascara, as it can be harder
to remove.
• To prevent eyelash loss, try not to rub your eyes.
• Using make-up may be the easiest way to disguise
thin eyelashes.
If you want to wear false eyelashes, check with your
cancer nurse specialist or oncology team first, as the
glue may irritate sensitive skin.
28
‘I was concerned about losing my
eyelashes and eyebrows, as they
frame your face so much and I knew
I’d really see the difference when they
were gone. Making an effort with
my appearance was a way of keeping
a sense of normality for myself.’
Jeni Reeves, 44, from Kent
‘A lady I saw didn’t mention
anything about her treatment
until the end when she told me
not to worry as she had no lashes
because of her treatment. But I
could see very fine, baby lashes,
and so I gently brushed over the
mascara, and she looked fabulous
– she couldn’t believe the result.’
Karen White, Boots Macmillan
Beauty Advisor, Northwich
29
Your feelings
Having to cope with changes to your
appearance as you undergo treatment
can be tough, even if these changes are
often temporary.
The way you feel about your appearance is closely
related to how you feel about yourself. If you’re not
happy with how you look, it may affect your confidence
and your relationships.
Some people feel they shouldn’t worry about changes
to their appearance when they have cancer. However,
it’s natural to feel upset about losing your hair or
changes to your nails or skin. For many people, these
issues are one of the biggest concerns during treatment,
but most do adjust and find ways to cope.
Talking about your feelings can be useful. If other
people know how you feel, it makes it easier to
support you. You can call the Macmillan Support
Line on 0808 808 00 00 to speak to cancer support
specialists about any emotional or practical issues that
are on your mind. They’re here for you Monday – Friday,
9am–8pm.
Sharing experiences with people in the same situation
can also help. Try the Macmillan Online Community
– macmillan.org.uk/community Or ask your cancer
nurse specialist or oncology team to put you in touch
with a local support group.
We hope our tips and suggestions help you discover
what works best for you, so that you can feel confident
and better about yourself during your treatment.
30
Further information
Macmillan has more information about
cancer types, treatments and tests,
and about living with and after cancer.
We also have details of other helpful
organisations and support groups in
your area. You can contact us using
the following details:
Macmillan Cancer Support
89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ
General enquiries 020 7840 7840
Questions about cancer?
Call free on 0808 808 00 00 (Mon – Fri, 9am–8pm)
Alternatively, visit macmillan.org.uk
Hard of hearing? Use textphone 0808 808 0121,
or Text Relay.
Non-English speaker? Interpreters available.
To order any Macmillan booklets, log on to
be.macmillan.org.uk or call us on 0808 808 00 00.
Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists
Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists are available
in some Boots stores. They can talk to you about how
to get more information and support about any concerns
you have. They can also help connect you to cancer
information services and experts in your local community,
and signpost you to wider Macmillan services.
31
Other useful organisations
Beauty, hair loss and cancer support organisations
Changing Faces
The Squire Centre, 33–37 University Street,
London WC1E 6JN
Tel 0300 0120 275
Email info@changingfaces.org.uk
www.changingfaces.org.uk
A charity for people with conditions, marks or scars that
affect their appearance. Can arrange consultations with
skin camouflage specialists, who can teach people to
self-apply specialist cover creams.
The Hairdressing and Beauty Suppliers
Association (HBSA)
35A Colbourne Road, Hove BN3 1TA
Tel 0845 519 3258
Email info@thehbsa.co.uk
www.thehbsa.co.uk
A network of industry professionals who share knowledge
and offer support where it’s needed. The website has
a searchable directory of suppliers of hairdressing and
beauty products, including wig makers.
Institute of Trichologists
107 Trinity Road, Upper Tooting, London SW17 7SQ
Tel 0845 604 4657
Email admin@trichologists.org.uk
www.trichologists.org.uk
The foremost professional association for trichologists
(hair health specialists) in the world. Gives information
about hair health and hair loss.
32
Look Good Feel Better
West Hill House, 32 West Hill, Epsom KT19 8JD
Tel 01372 747 500
Email info@lgfb.co.uk
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk
A support service for women and teenagers living with
cancer. Holds free skincare and make-up workshops to
help combat the visible side effects of cancer treatment
and, in turn, boost confidence and well-being. Look
Good...Feel Better is working towards offering support
to men in the future, and its USA branch already
provides online advice for men at
www.lookgoodfeelbetterformen.org
Specialist hair services
My New Hair
Email info@mynewhair.org
www.mynewhair.org
A charity with a network of salons that provide a
wig-styling service for people with cancer and medical
hair loss. The website has a list of recommended salons
that have worked with Trevor Sorbie to ensure they offer
expert advice and styling to make your wig individual
to you. It also has information about hair loss and wigs.
Consultations are free. Use the salons’ cut and blow-dry
cost for a guide to styling charges, and contact the salons
directly for specific prices. Some salons offer their service
for free.
33
Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic
54 Green Street, London W1K 6RU
Tel 020 7629 4004
www.philipkingsley.co.uk
Provides consultations and advice about hair health.
Consultations are with qualified trichologists who have
experience with hair loss caused by cancer treatment.
Strength in Style with Toni & Guy
Visit macmillan.org.uk/strengthinstyle,
toniandguy.com or phone 0808 808 00 00
Macmillan is working in partnership with Toni & Guy
to provide specialist haircare for people affected by
cancer. Strength in Style consultants, who have been
specially trained in the effects of cancer treatment on
hair, can help clients with choosing, fitting, adjusting and
cutting wigs. They also advise on hair as it grows again
so that people affected by cancer can have one point of
contact to help them deal with hair loss and regrowth.
34
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information we
provide is accurate and up to date but it should not be
relied upon as a substitute for specialist professional
advice tailored to your situation. So far as is permitted by
law, Macmillan does not accept liability in relation to the
use of any information contained in this publication, or
third-party information or websites included or referred
to in it. Some photographs are of models.
Thanks
This booklet has been jointly written and developed
by Boots UK and Macmillan’s Cancer Information
Development team. It has been approved by Macmillan’s
medical editor, Dr Tim Iveson, Consultant Medical
Oncologist and Macmillan Chief Medical Editor.
With thanks to: Boots UK; Angela Cleary, Macmillan
Learning and Development Manager (People Affected by
Cancer); Caroline Hood, Head and Neck Cancer Clinical
Nurse Specialist, Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock;
Jenny King, Chemotherapy Nurse Specialist, Sussex
Cancer Centre; Vanessa Linton, Macmillan Head and
Neck Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Churchill Hospital,
Oxford; and the people affected by cancer who
reviewed this edition.
35
Sources
Fingeret MC. The nature and extent of body image
concerns among surgically treated patients with
head and neck cancer. Psycho-oncology. 2012. 21(8):
836-844.
Melissa I. Breast cancer treatment in older women:
does getting what you want improve your long-term body
image and mental health? Journal of Clinical Oncology.
2004. 22(19): 4002-4009.
NHS Choices. Help with health costs. www.nhs.uk/
nhsengland/healthcosts/pages/wigsandfabricsupports.
aspx (accessed 5 June 2013).
Taylor-Ford M. Body image predicts quality of life in
men with prostate cancer. Psycho-oncology. 2013. 22(4):
756-61.
Tobias and Hochhauser. Cancer and its management.
2010. Wiley and Blackwell.
36
Notes
You can use this page to keep a record
of any advice from your Boots Macmillan
Beauty Advisor or questions for your cancer
nurse specialist or oncology team.
37
More than one in three of us will get cancer.
For most of us it will be the toughest fight
we ever face. And the feelings of isolation
and loneliness that so many people
experience make it even harder.
But you don’t have to go through it alone.
The Macmillan team is with you every step
of the way, from the nurses and therapists
helping you through treatment to the
campaigners improving cancer care.
Together, we are all Macmillan Cancer Support.
For cancer support every step of the way,
call Macmillan on 0808 808 00 00
(Mon – Fri, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk
Hard of hearing? Use textphone
0808 808 0121, or Text Relay.
Non-English speaker? Interpreters available.
Braille and large print versions on request.
Cancer information and support.
From Macmillan and Boots.
Printed using sustainable material. Please recycle.
© Macmillan Cancer Support, August 2013. 1st edition. MAC14180.
Next planned review 2016. Macmillan Cancer Support, registered
charity in England and Wales (261017),
Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604).