One side effect of many of the drugs used in cancer treatment is a change in appearance which can be distressing for many female patients.
The American Cancer Society partnered with the Personal Care Products Foundation and the Professional Beauty Foundation to help women recoup from treatment and feel good about their appearance.
The 32-year old Look Good Feel Better program seeks licensed cosmetologists and estheticians who want to volunteer to help these patients feel better about themselves. Pam Ashman, the American Cancer Society’s Mission Delivery program manager, told the Athens Banner-Herald about the goals of this program.
While the program improves the women’s appearance, it also helps them to improve and maintain their confidence and self-image. The class allows the women to spend time with other patients in the same situation in a non-medical, relaxed setting.
Ashman said that some women who have taken part in the program laugh for the first time in weeks. They leave feeling renewed and refreshed about their outlook on life—in addition to feeling better about their appearance.
Over the course of a year, the Look Good Feel Better program held 15,000 workshops across all 50 states and served 50,000 women in the US. The program estimates that volunteers donated 150,000 hours over the previous year. With 150 companies supporting the US program, the beauty industry does its best to contribute to this worthy cause.
To find a local program, you can enter your zip code at the Look Good Feel Better website. Another option is to call 1-800-395-5665.
The program holds a DreamBall Gala each year for participants to celebrate their renewed vigor and to honor leaders in the beauty industry who have advanced the dialogue about cancer.