Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This month we've seen candy coloured cakes, bright pink beards and even pretty-in-pink landmarks, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in full swing. As a worldwide annual campaign, Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to share the importance of awareness, education and research targeting the disease. Thousands of organisations participate in events, collections and campaigns around the globe, raising the awareness and funds for breast cancer research vital for the lives of so many.

According to Breast Cancer Now, the organisation running the UK’s Wear it Pink campaign, 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year – one person every 10 minutes.  Wearing pink and showing your support this month and on the 23^rd October, will ensure that the charity and other dedicated organisations can continue to help those facing breast cancer from the moment they are diagnosed. 

For many people diagnosed with breast cancer, one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment is hair loss. Hair loss is a very visible side effect of treatment that can really impact upon the self-esteem and sense of identity. Everybody adapts differently to hair loss, though for some it can be a devastating experience. 

Following chemotherapy hair loss commonly begins within two to three weeks, affecting body and facial hair including eyebrows and eyelashes. However hair loss is in most cases a temporary side effect of the treatment, so hair will start to grow back after its completion or even towards the end of its course. Hair that grows post-treatment may feel different from the natural pre-existing hair however, as there may be a change in its texture and shape.

Preparing For Hair Loss

• Gradually shortening your hair length before treatment begins is a good way to prepare for its effects and make changes to appearance less prominent. 
• Hats and scarves are versatile, practical and fashionable, keeping the head warm and boosting confidence.
• Wigs made from human or synthetic hair are popular ways to prepare for and remedy the effects of hair loss through cancer treatment, available in a huge amount of styles, designs and colours. We suggest looking for a wig before starting chemotherapy, in that you can match your own hair style and colour if desired. 

At Pink Hair Solutions we can advise about practical issues such as caring for your scalp or wearing a wig, as well as looking at ways to help you adjust to hair loss. We also provide a range of products that will assist your hair in returning to its normal condition, so you can feel comfortable and more confident during and after treatment. To find out more or to book your free consultation, please call us on 0121 350 3826.