Helping cancer patients with hairloss

Breast Cancer Care, the UK's leading provider of information and support to people affected by breast cancer, has been running its innovative HeadStrong service at the Conquest Hospital for more than a year.

Through HeadStrong women, and men, undergoing cancer treatment can find out how to care for their scalp and hair before, during and after treatment.

They can also learn how to use hats, hairpieces and headscarves to minimise the impact of hair loss.

Clients are offered private and confidential hour-long appointments, and they can attend as many times as they want.

The service been such a success that the charity is looking for more people willing to become volunteers. Full training will be given, so no prior experience or skills are needed.

Gill Swain-Coad, Practical Support Manager at Breast Cancer Care, said that hair loss can cause a loss of confidence and self-esteem.

"By being a HeadStrong volunteer you can make a real difference to the lives of women '“ it's a service that gives immediate results, and so is very rewarding for both the client and the volunteer," she said.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Gill Swain-Coad on 0207 960 3441, or e-mail [email protected]

To book a HeadStrong session, call Conquest Hospital on 01424 755255.