A pilot project offering make-up and skincare advice to women recovering from cancer is giving a major boost to their recovery, the Irish Cancer Society said yesterday.
The Look Good, Feel Better programme involves beauticians travelling to hospitals giving make-up classes and pampering sessions to cancer patients.
The cosmetic industry project is available in hospitals in areas such as Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway but the society would like to see it expanded.
Olwyn Ryan, patient support group manager with the society, said it was a vital service for women affected by cancer.
"I've seen women going into one of these sessions and they are quite down in themselves, wondering should they be there at all. Then I've seen them come out and they are totally transformed. There's no woman who doesn't like a bit of pampering."
She said treatments such as chemotherapy changed the appearance of skin and caused the loss of hair. "Sometimes people cope very well with everything but then their hair starts falling out and it's the straw that breaks the camel's back."
Ms Ryan was speaking after a weekend conference of cancer support groups at Dublin Castle.
The conference stressed the value of support groups for cancer patients. The society can be contacted on 1800 200 700.
