‘Superhero’ masks ease cancer trauma for kids
CHILDREN who find cancer treatment frightening are experiencing less trauma thanks to a simple and creative change to the process.
During radiotherapy to the brain, head or neck, a made-to-measure mask must be worn by a child to help keep their head still and target the correct area for treatment.
The patient is asked to lie on the treatment table and the mask is placed over their head and neck and fixed to the table.
The experience can be frightening and claustrophobic for children and anaesthesia is sometimes required to calm the young patient and stop them moving.
With this in mind, two clinical technologists, decided to create ‘superhero’ masks to make the experience a little less scary.
Fiona McCulloch and Hilary Sturrock used water-based acrylic paint, with funding from the Beatson Cancer Charity, to revamp plain radiotherapy masks into something more child-friendly.
The former art students work with the patients to create their masterpiece on a blank canvas and the mask is then stored for all future treatments.
Radiographers at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre are hoping that over time, this initiative will see a decreased use of anaesthetic.
Lara, 5, said: “My mask is helping me a lot. It squashes me tight and I love the painting and jewels on it. I love that it is a fairy princess and has my name on it, which is my favourite bit.
“My mask is lovely and googly, and I like that it squashes me tight like mummy cuddling me.”
Molly, 12, said: “Although radiotherapy is painless, the machine is huge and being strapped down and told to stay completely still is quite scary.
“Having my arm device hand painted in a vibrant colourful design created especially for me, added a personal touch and made the treatment feel less clinical.”
Fiona said: “Radiotherapy treatment wearing one of these masks can understandably be a very frightening experience for children, and can often feel claustrophobic.
“It’s fantastic to see the positive impact the designs are having, and it’s such a pleasure working with patients and creating their ideas and designs.”
Hilary said: “I feel grateful to have the opportunity to put my previous study toward such a worthwhile and positive experience for these young patients.”
Lorraine Whyte, NHS practice education radiographer and Beatson Cancer Charity funded post, said: “It’s helping make a big difference to our younger patients’ confidence.”