Changing Appearance

How do I deal with my changing appearance during cancer treatment?

The American Cancer Society offers a “Look Good, Feel Better” program to help with the impact chemotherapy and other treatments may have on your appearance. Some of these classes are presented at the Saint Vincent Women’s Center (see pages 10 and 11 of Saint Vincent’s Vitals magazine for a schedule). It is a free workshop facilitated by trained cosmetologists, who teach women with cancer how to understand and care for changes in skin and hair that may occur during treatment. The program is offered in partnership with the National Cosmetology Association and the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation.

For those experiencing hair loss, some insurance companies will pay for a wig. Be sure to check with your insurance carrier and/or the American Cancer Society.  

If you’ve had a mastectomy, you are likely eligible to be fitted for a prosthetic device. Prosthesis requires a physician prescription. Pennsylvania Law (Act 81 0f 2002) requires health insurance policies that provide coverage for mastectomies to also cover prosthetic devices as prescribed by your physician. Ask your insurance carrier whether there are any restrictions on the type or price of a breast form that will be reimbursed. Ask your insurance carrier if they pay for new breast forms every few years.