Helping women with cancer regain self-confidence

Anita was living a normal life when she received the news that would change her life: she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After Anita was first diagnosed in January this year, she came across Cancer Council Queensland’s ESA Wig and Turban Service.

Hair loss during cancer treatment dramatically impacts the confidence of many women diagnosed with women’s cancers. Cancer Council Queensland’s ESA Wig and Turban Service aims to assist these strong and beautiful women to regain their self-confidence through the fitting and provision of wigs and turbans.

For women like Anita, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in January, the service has been invaluable. She says she was blown away by the dedication of the volunteers and Cancer Council Queensland.

“I was actually assisted by a volunteer who previously had breast cancer and so it was a pleasant surprise to be helped by someone who had been through a similar experience to what I’m currently going through,” said Anita.

She was also astounded by the selection of wigs and turbans on offer.

“It was a real joy being able to try on as many as I like in a private room that was set up in such a nice way. There was no time pressure, so I could try on many different colours and lengths until I found a wig that I thought suited me best and made me feel comfortable.”

“It was a positive experience and made something as terrible as losing your hair so much easier to deal with.”

“It also made me feel far less alone knowing how much support I had – not just from family and friends – but from services offered by Cancer Council Queensland.”

“The fact that it’s a free service is an added bonus. Not everyone can afford wigs or turbans, which is a shame because they help cancer patients feel confident again after losing their hair.”

Anita also said that knowing the service was available and so easily accessible really helped her prepare mentally for losing her hair.

“I just want to say thank you to Cancer Council Queensland employees and volunteers for all their hard work. And also a big thank you to everyone who donates, because your money does go to a good cause and the people affected by cancer, and their families, truly appreciate it.”

Anita is raising awareness for Cancer Council Queensland’s upcoming fundraiser, Walk for Women’s Cancers taking place this month.

Walk for Women’s Cancers was first launched on the Sunshine Coast in 2004 by Cassandra Munson and has grown into one of the most anticipated fundraising events in the region.

The event has seen incredible growth from one event in 2004 to an incredible six events across Queensland in 2019, accommodating both 3km and 6km.

This year, Walk for Women’s Cancers is a virtual fitness event where participants commit to walk 3km, 6km, 10km, 20km or their own choice on Saturday, 26th September. The objective is to raise funds to find a cure for women’s cancers.

Entry is free in 2020 and you can score your very own hot pink TUTU when you fundraise your first $30!

Join the virtual Walk for Women’s Cancers and Unite in Pink on Saturday, September 26.

To register for the virtual Walk for Women’s Cancers event, please visit www.walkforwomen.org.au