How to combat the physical side-effects of your treatment

A SURVEY by Boots ahead of Daffodil Day this Friday has revealed the majority of people living with cancer lack self-confidence due to physical changes that arise from their treatment.

More than half (51%) worried their physical symptoms were an outward sign to others that they were sick, and 42% believed people would treat them differently because of this.

The survey revealed that the emotional impact of physical changes from cancer can run deep, with almost half (49%) stating they experienced anxiety, a third having sleep issues and 30% even saying they felt embarrassed.

Symptoms such as hair loss are experienced by many and include loss of eyebrows (51%) and eyelashes (46%). The majority of women (77%) surveyed also revealed their skin texture changed, and more than a quarter (28%) experienced intense itching as a result of their treatment.

The survey also looked at how parents living with cancer were affected. More than one in five mothers said they were worried how their children would react to changes in their appearance.

Boots Ireland is the main sponsor of Daffodil Day 2018 on March 23, and all stores will sell Daffodil Day materials on the day.

Stores across Ireland have 130 cancer beauty advisors who are trained to offer make-up tips and skincare techniques to help manage the visible side-effects of treatment, so those living with cancer can start to feel more like themselves again.

Pharmacists in the stores are also trained to provide practical advice to help manage the effects of cancer. They are also trained to offer wider support to those living with cancer, their families and carers, who can call into Boots and speak privately about a range of issues relating to the disease.

The 2FM DJ Louise McSharry, who has recovered from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, says she was surprised how much losing her hair during chemotherapy affected her.

‘I was surprised by how much of a blow it was to see myself without hair during my chemotherapy treatment, especially my eyebrows and eyelashes,’ she says. ‘It’s one thing to feel sick, but to look sick all the time is a real challenge in terms of keeping your spirits up.

‘The beauty advisors at Boots provide an invaluable service at a time when women really need support. These services are boosting confidence and happiness when women need to focus on feeling well again — helping people who are living with cancer to feel like themselves once more.’

Averil Power, chief executive of the Irish Cancer Society, said: ‘With 86 stores around the country, Boots is well-placed to offer community support through its dedicated Irish Cancer Society advisors.

‘Boots Ireland’s sponsorship will help us make Daffodil Day a success and ensure we can help more people affected by cancer. We won’t give up until cancer does.’