Houston Cancer Institute, PA

                                                                                                                      
Contact Information:

Melinda Wood                                                                                                                                  Houston Cancer Institute P.A.

American Cancer Society                                                                                                                    1220 Blalock Suite 200

(713) 706-5675                                                                                                                                    Houston, TX 77055 melinda.wood@cancer.org                                                                                                                   (713) 464-9559

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

24 February 2009
 

 American Cancer Society Program Helps Women Overcome Effects of Cancer Treatment

(HOUSTON) – When a woman has cancer, she has to deal with not only the physical and emotional trauma of the disease itself, but also the debilitating effects of cancer treatment on her skin, hair, nails, and general appearance.  The war on cancer is one of the most life-altering challenges a woman will ever face; how much easier it might seem if she is at least winning the battle to retain her physical appearance and self-esteem.

On March 9 at 11 a.m., the American Cancer Society will offer its Look Good… Feel Better program for the first time at the Houston Cancer Institute,  in conjunction with Spring Branch Medical Center.  Guided by volunteer licensed cosmetologists, female cancer patients who participate in this class will learn how to use make-up and skincare techniques to overcome the appearance-related effects of chemotherapy and radiation.  “The Houston Cancer Institute is pleased to offer this important program to our patients at the Blalock medical campus.  Looking one’s best is very important to recovery,” said Dr. Maria Scouros, director of the Houston Cancer Institute, which is located at 1220 Blalock, Houston, TX 7705, off of

I-10 Katy Freeway.

According to the American Cancer Society, there are a number of anti-cancer drugs in use today, each with possible side effects. Possible appearance-related effects of chemotherapy and radiation include: hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows or lashes; weight gain or loss; changes in skin pigmentation and texture; skin oiliness, itchiness or peeling; and alterations in nail texture and growth rate.

“Look Good… Feel Better is as much about improving and maintaining self-image and confidence as it is about appearance,” says Maria Boydstun, community manager with the American Cancer Society. “Patients enjoy the opportunity to spend time in a relaxed, non-medical setting with others in the same situation. And the free make-up and instruction from professionals helps them look and feel better.”

                Look Good… Feel Better is offered through a collaboration among the American Cancer Society, the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, and the National Cosmetology Association.  Classes and materials are provided free of charge to women in active cancer treatment.  To register or for additional information, please call the Houston Cancer Institute at (713)464.9559. 
Or go to http://www.houstoncancerinstitute.com.
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