New hair loss service for cancer sufferers

Hospice opens free HeadStrong clinic in Glasgow

July 2010

Cancer sufferers who face the anguish of losing their hair during chemotherapy are being offered more help thanks to a new service that has started in Glasgow.

The HeadStrong initiative, run by Breast Cancer Care Scotland and Marie Curie, has opened at the charity’s city hospice.

The service will be staffed by seven volunteers, including several who have suffered cancer and hair loss.

Broadcaster Kaye Adams, a long-term supporter of Breast Cancer Care Scotland and Marie Curie, said: “I’ve spoken to lots of people who have had treatment for breast cancer, both in my private and professional life, so I know just what a devastating impact hair loss can have.

“HeadStrong is great as it offers direct and immediate support at a time when people need it most. Knowing that this service is out there will give those set to undergo cancer treatment a real confidence boost.”

More than 4000 women in Scotland are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Most women suffering from cancer go through the traumatic experience of losing their hair due to the side-effects of chemotherapy treatments.

One cancer sufferer who knows all about the devastating impact of losing her hair through cancer is Donna Mallan.

The 38-year-old from East Kilbride was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and now volunteers at HeadStrong. Donna said: “My hair was really long and I was told it would not fall out until the second chemotherapy session, but after the first it started to come out.

“A lot of people would rather wear a hat or headscarf than a wig, which is why HeadStrong is so important as it gives you those options. You think it’s never going to grow back but it does. Mine’s halfway down my back again.”

The free, hour-long appointments are open to women with any kind of cancer and are available every Thursday. For more information call 0141 557 7486.

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