Gynecologic Cancer

Tips to Help You Look and Feel Your Best

Cancer is often a visible disease that affects you from the inside out. The treatments used to rid your body of disease may affect your looks and self-esteem. It’s hard not to feel defined by this disease when it’s on display for all to see—including yourself.

Now is the perfect time to pamper yourself: a guilt-free priority that boosts your mood, improves your attitude and helps you put your best face forward while fighting cancer.

Hair care

Hair loss (alopecia) can be one of the most difficult side effects of cancer treatment for women. While it doesn’t affect everyone, you have options if you do experience hair thinning or loss:

• Avoid shampoos and conditioners that are medicated or drying, and stay away from irritating ingredients (salicylic acid, camphor, menthol, eucalyptus and henna).
• Do not have your hair colored, permed or straightened until several months after your treatment stops. Avoid using blow-dryers, curling irons, flat irons, rollers, hair clips and elastic bands. Also, always use a soft-bristle brush.
• Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction on your hair.
• If you know you’re going to lose your hair, consider shaving your head to avoid having your hair fall out in clumps. If you have long hair, consider cutting it and donating it to an organization that can make it into a wig for a child experiencing hair loss.
•  Many options are available, including wigs, turbans, scarves and hats. If you choose to wear a wig, consider a visit to a wig specialist before losing your hair so that your hair color, texture and style can more easily be matched. You can also choose to leave your head uncovered (just be sure to protect your scalp from the sun).
• When your hair eventually grows back, the texture might be different. Talk to your stylist for tips about how to deal with your new hair.
• Talk to other patients about what worked for them. Some advise against shaving your head because it feels too "prickly" and makes sleeping uncomfortable.

Makeup tips

Hair loss can also impact your eyebrows and eyelashes, and your complexion can undergo some serious changes as well. Follow these tips to help you look a little more like your old self:

• A mild, tinted face moisturizer with SPF can easily even out your complexion while providing necessary moisture and protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
• Use a brightening concealer under your eyes to brighten up this often dark, shadowy area.
• Your face will likely lack color, but instead of caking on a powdered blush, opt for a liquid-based cheek stain or illuminator.
• Find a heavy-duty lip moisturizer that also contains a bit of color.
• Use an eyeshadow that is a shade or two lighter than your natural brow color. Stay within the natural line of your brows and lightly smudge the powder.
• If you lose your eyelashes, try using a fine eyeliner brush and a dark gel liner to coat the inner rim of your upper lash line. If you have a special event, consider applying false eyelashes. Just be careful with the glue so you don’t pull out any remaining eyelashes.
• Use a creamy, pearlescent eyeshadow in a shade that’s close to your skin tone to combat any darkening and/or visible veins in your eyelids.
• While you should stay out of the sun, you don’t need to resign yourself to pallor. To give yourself a healthy glow, try using a mild self-tanner on your entire body and face.

Nail maintenance

Certain chemotherapy drugs may cause your nails and nail beds to change color or become grooved, sensitive, brittle or lifted. The good news is that these changes are only temporary and easy to combat:

• Always keep your nails trimmed short and filed smooth during treatment. However, you should not file streaks, stains or brown spots.
• Cover your hands when working with them (gardening, cleaning) and during any prolonged exposure to water (washing dishes) to protect them and to prevent fungal infections.
• These could lead to infection. Also avoid silicone fillers for nails.
• This will help hide any discoloration. Just don’t change polish very often because nail polish removers are harsh, and be sure to begin with a clear coat so the darker color doesn’t absorb into the nail bed. Also avoid acrylics and nail gels, which carry a higher risk of fungal infection during chemotherapy.
• Tell your doctor if you notice dark or lifted nail beds, as those may be signs of infection.

Spring for the spa

• Regular manicures and pedicures are a sweet treat for your hands and feet. Not only is proper nail care important for the cancer patient, it also helps women feel pretty and polished.
• Massages and facials can be a welcome escape from your illness and stress in general. Get your doctor’s advice prior to booking any appointments, and inform your therapist/aesthetician of your situation before your session begins so they can be sure to use gentle products and work around any sensitive areas to ensure maximum relief and an enjoyable spa experience. (Be sure to ask your insurance company if they’ll cover any of the cost).

Overall self-image

Caring for your overall appearance can help improve your self-image while you’re undergoing treatment, which can actually help you feel better. As much as possible, maintain your regular grooming habits. Try to exercise each day, and alter your clothes as necessary if you gain or lose weight. Get plenty of rest, and remind yourself every day that you are beautiful just as you are.