Sadly, illness can strike anyone at any time. Some are more fortunate and have a full and speedy recovery, or at worse their suffering is short term. But for others even the name of their condition itself is impactful. Nowhere is this more true than it is with cancer.

It is a word that invokes both fear and dread; a diagnosis that people hope to avoid and something, which is still not fully comprehended. Yet the shocking truth of the matter is that many of you will receive the diagnosis in your lifetime or know/be related to a cancer sufferer. For something that seems to emanate from the very darkest of shadows, it is unfortunately extremely prevalent.

When faced with a cancer diagnosis obviously the fears become real and it will undoubtedly hit home and moreover, hit hard. What should not be forgotten however is that there are many people who are battling cancer right now, and many more who have beaten it completely. As medicine is developing, the success rates in defeating and overcoming cancer are rising and survival rates improving greatly. Today, whilst a diagnosis might feel like it’s “the end” it doesn’t have to be that way.

You should always remember that a life with cancer is still a life. So here we look at how subtle changes and approaches can help you get the most out of your life with cancer. Specifically we’ll address the issues of physical appearance and how your body might change due to the condition or even the treatment you receive. Moreover we’ll examine what you can do to ensure that the tough fight you’re already engaging in is fought in a positive and successful way. It’s time to strike back with a dignified fight.

What Physical Changes Might You See?

Both the treatment you may receive and the cancer itself can affect your physical appearance. Macmillan Cancer Support, the charity perhaps most often associated with cancer care, have dedicated web content relating to this very topic.

Treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy affect the functions of the human body. Perhaps the most commonly recognised side effect is the potential for loss of hair and it is often the first thought of the patient “what will losing my hair actually mean for me”? Already faced with the difficult task of fighting the condition, there is then the added pressure of your image, esteem and self-confidence. But there are ways in which you can maintain dignity and feel happy in yourself, which in turn will boost your confidence to deal with the condition itself. If you feel happier in how you look and present; if you are able to demonstrate the same persona in public and around friends and family, then you will be more likely to believe you can beat the diagnosis too. Having fewer things to worry about will enable you to focus your attentions to where they are most needed – i.e. you physical health.

Dealing With Hair Loss

Your emotions may be “all over the place”. It can be very upsetting to find that your hair is falling out, or even to contemplate the possibility that it might. You may feel uncomfortable, suffer from raised anxiety or hold the belief that you’ll suddenly be the focus of other people’s attention, something that you could probably do without. Even friends and family might not know how to “act” around you and might not know what to say or do. Talking to them might help, but sometimes talking to someone removed from your personal situation may be preferable. Whatever you’re thinking, remember that you are not alone. There is support and in addition there are steps you might choose to take.

Macmillan have a telephone helpline in addition to their web content and this will put you in contact with people who understand, empathise and can offer helpful advice, tips, or just an ear to listen to you. The helpline number is 0808 808 00 00, and is open 7 days a week between the hours of 8am and 8pm.

Options

It is probably best to think your options through as soon as possible. There are more options available that you might have imagined, but of course, it isn’t something that you’ve probably considered. However, there are plenty of wig choices perfectly suited to cancer patients as well as hats, scarves, bandanas and more!

Some people may choose to embrace the change, but everybody is of course different. For those who choose action, one of the most effective steps involves the use of wigs. You may not want people to know that you have cancer, or you may decide that you want to maintain your previous physical appearance. There are partial or full wigs, those made with synthetic hair, and real human hair wigs. Some are even available on the NHS. There are many choices, styles and options available. Gone are the fears that it will be obvious to other people that you are wearing one, though this remains one of the biggest fears. You’ll be able to carry on with your life, looking as if nothing has changed.

Being diagnosed with cancer will feel life changing, but you can still enjoy your life, with your family and friends but most of all with yourself. You can feel comfortable in yourself, live as normal life as possible and present yourself in the same, confident, positive and passionate manner as you did before the diagnosis. You may need a little help, but help is there. You just have to ask.