For a lot of us who are in school, brushing and taming our hair after getting out of bed is a common component of our morning routines. As a girl, I know that it is entirely possible to spend hours putting together a so-called “perfect hairdo”. However, this portion of a morning routine slowly disappears for many cancer patients due to chemotherapy-induced hair loss. This is not only startling when it first happens, but it also causes devastating psychological effects such as a decrease in confidence and self value. Fortunately, this can be avoided using quality wigs made from real human hair. This is why UBC Cancer Association Club hosts Cuts for Cancer each year!
Hair loss and thinning is a common side effect of cancer treatment. In fact, hair loss is not confined to the head in some cases of chemotherapy. It can include the loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, and underarm hair. Chemotherapy has proven to be quite effective in fighting and killing off cancerous cells. This is done by targeting rapidly dividing cells. Unfortunately, there are cells in our body that divide rather quickly besides cancer cells. Our hair follicles, for example, divide every 23-74 hours and as a result, become a perfect target for chemotherapy drugs. The damage or eventual destruction of these hair follicles ultimately lead to the hair loss that many cancer patients experience.
Here’s where we can come in and help. We can donate our hair for the creation of wigs for cancer patients suffering from hair loss. UBCCAC will be hosting Cuts for Cancer at the Nest tomorrow (Feb. 9) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In order for your hair to be donated for a wig, hair 8 inches or more will be tied into a pony tail and cut as shown in the image below. You not only come out with a new and refreshing hairdo from our generous sponsors, On the Fringe Hair Design, you also give cancer patients the opportunity to rebuild confidence.
For those who don’t have 8 inches of hair to donate, do not fret! You can always get a hair cut and donate financially to the cause, or grow it out and wait for a later time to donate. UBCCAC accepts hair donations year long through the mail and in person. Simply refer to the link below for information on location and instructions for hair donations!
I know that cutting off such a large amount of hair can be frightening and saddening for some who have grown attached to their hair. I can assure you, however, that you will feel refreshed knowing your hair will most likely dry in less than half the time it used to take and that you will be bringing a smile to someone’s face by giving them a chance to have a “perfect hairdo” once again!
For more information on hair loss and chemotherapy, take a look at: http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/hair_skin_nails/hair_loss and http://www.livescience.com/45609-chemotherapy-hair-loss.html
If you want to donate hair later on in the year, check out: http://ubccac.com/events/cuts-for-cancer/
Post written by Camy Leung