The fight against cancer can be painful and draining for those who have the illness. Add to that the appearance-related side effects of certain cancer treatments and many individuals are left lacking confidence at a time when they may be most vulnerable.
"At Netcare Garden City Hospital we are fully cognisant of the impact cancer treatments can have on female patients particularly," says Esme Abrahams, General Manager of Netcare Garden City Hospital. "It was with this in mind that we partnered with 'Look Good...Feel Better', an organisation that provides beauty workshops to cancer patients to assist in boosting their morale."
"For female cancer patients it is hard enough to fight this devastating disease without feeling as though they are nothing but a shadow of their former selves," she points out. "Many of these patients experience dramatic hair and weight-loss, which can be very damaging to their self-esteem at an already difficult time of life."
Clinical studies in the United States of America have indicated that patients who partake in the 'Look Good...Feel Better' workshops have fewer feelings of anxiety and a greater sense of happiness and well-being. This has been shown to have a positive effect on the recovery of these patients and led to the roll-out of the programme in 23 countries across the globe. To date the initiative has touched the lives of more than 1.1 million women worldwide.
Abrahams explains that the free, two-hour 'Look Good...Feel Better' workshops at Netcare Garden City Hospital are being run by a team of qualified beauty professionals and trained volunteers. "Each group of patients attending a workshop is taken through a 12-step skin care and make-up regime designed to specifically address any visible side effects of cancer treatment they may be experiencing."
Leading cosmetic companies support the 'Look Good...Feel Better' programme with financial assistance, generous product donations and expertise. Patients are provided with free kits of skin care products and make-up to take home. They are also given advice on how to make use of these products in the most beneficial way.
"There is no denying that fighting cancer is one of the most difficult experiences a person could ever go through. We are delighted to be in partnership with 'Look Good...Feel Better' on this wonderful initiative and hope that it will help to lift the spirits of women in our community who are battling this terrible illness," concludes Abrahams.
Netcare Garden City Hospital will be hosting 'Look Good...Feel Better' workshops every month with the next workshop taking place on 25 November 2011. For more information and to sign up please call Sr Elsie Morare on +27 (0)11 495 5070.
