Cancer patients looking good and feeling better

Tasmanians living with cancer are singing the praises of a program that is helping to boost their self-confidence.

Look Good Feel Better is a free national community service program, run by the Cancer Patients Foundation. It is dedicated to teaching patients how to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

Women, men, and teens participate in workshop demonstrations that cover skincare, make-up and headwear; leaving them empowered and ready to face cancer with confidence.

In November last year, the charity received a $10,000 community grant from Aurora to fund face-to-face workshops in Tasmania as well as provide at Home Delivered Confidence Kits and Virtual Workshops for those undergoing treatment. These are an important resource that are already putting smiles on the faces of those in need. Read client testimonials below.

“An amazingly comfortable session. I have never been one for wearing makeup as I guess I had no one to teach me how to apply it. Now I am armed with techniques and have happily and confidently been able to draw on my own eyebrows and they look great! I will be using the other tips soon. Thanks so much for providing such a valuable service. I was so glad to find it was available virtually as I was feeling down about my appearance, as well as the fact that the workshops at my hospital had been cancelled due to COVID.”

 - Antoinette

“I enjoyed participating in the workshop. It was a wonderful chance to connect with others in a shared experience, as well as getting some motivation to put some effort into looking after myself by paying attention to my appearance. The facilitator provided some great tips specific to people undergoing treatment, which has pushed me to keep caring for my skin even when I am feeling in a 'frump' during treatment. As I am working from home at the moment, putting on some makeup and skin products each morning gives me a sense of normality. Thank you for everything that you do!”

 - Angela

“Thank you so very much for the session today and the wonderful gift of all the skin care and cosmetics. Our facilitator was fantastic. I definitely felt better after the session. I hadn't even bothered with make up since I started chemo because I felt silly and self-conscious for even trying. But I realised it's not about going out in a full glam face (think contouring, fake lashes, overly penciled eyebrows or OTT lipstick) and/or trying to hide the fact I have no eyelashes or brows, it was just about feeling comfy with a natural look and adjusting it to what makes me feel good. Thanks for reinvigorating me!”

 - Kerri