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Looking Your Best

At some point during your cancer treatment, you may feel like you don't recognize your own body. The way your cancer experience may alter your personal appearance can have a profound emotional impact. That's why the Cancer Center has assembled an assortment of services to help you cope with the appearance-related side effects of treatment and help you feel more like you again.

Look Good, Feel Better

In partnership with the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic,Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation, and the National Cosmetology Association, the U-M Cancer Center is pleased to offer the Look Good, Feel Better Program. This free, national public service program assists women undergoing cancer treatment in learning to cope with some of the appearance-related side effects of treatment. Professionals teach patients a variety of proven techniques for applying makeup and wearing hats and scarves with style. Monthly sessions held in Ann Arbor and in many communities across the state. Sessions are free and require advance registration.

To learn more and find out where it is taking place in your area, please visit the Look Good...Feel Better page on the American Cancer Society web site. Or, contact the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

 

Personal Touch

For women facing breast cancer, surgery and other treatments may alter appearance and impact self confidence. Personal Touch, a division of the U-M Health System, offers a program to meet the special physical needs of breast cancer patients. Services include:

• Personalized consultation with a certified prosthetic fitter with special training to help women decide which post-breast surgery products suit their body type, surgery and lifestyle.
• A comprehensive line of post-breast surgery products.

The Personal Touch Program is committed to helping women with special needs pursue the lifestyle they choose. For more information or to schedule an appointment for a personalized fitting, call 734-973-2400.

 

Wig Bank Program

The Wig Bank, maintained by the Department of Social Work, allows patients to borrow wigs free of charge to wear during cancer treatment.

When referred to the Wig Bank, patients meet with a Wig Bank volunteer for an individual consultation. Consultations can be coordinated with either inpatient or outpatient schedules. Volunteers assist patients in selecting a wig to wear -- free of charge -- throughout treatment. They also provide instructions on cleaning and caring for the wig, and can supply additional information on sources for purchasing a wig.

For more information about obtaining a wig through the Wig Bank, or where to purchase a wig, call the Guest Assistance Program at 800-888-9825.

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Read Bald and Beautiful
an article from Thrive dealing with cancer treatment and baldness

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

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