Cancer patients need not lose sleep over hair-loss

Bombay April 2006

A trust steps in to help cancer patients live life without losing self-confidence and esteem

Battling an illness like cancer is tough enough but tougher still is coping with tragic repercussions that come along with its treatment.

Like, one of the traumatising side effects that cancer has on those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, is hair loss. And, Richfeel Trichology Centre, an advanced hair science centre, steps in to help out through the Mrs Menaxiben Shah and Mrs Rekhaben Shah Memorial Trust.

This move is made in tandem with India’s finest oncologist, Padmashri Dr Suresh Advani and Helping Hands For Cancer Care, an NGO for cancer patients.The centre vows to enhance lives of those living with cancer through its “Look Good, Feel Better” programme.

At a press conference held yesterday, Dr. Apoorva Shah, Dr Sonal Shah and Dr SM Advani to speak on the hurdles faced by cancer patients.

Dr Advani insisted that the programme would help the cancer patients take on the world and fight and win the battle against cancer. “I’m excited by the whole effort put in to establish this new trust. This trust will help people’s self image.

As you know, the field of cancer has changed immensely,” stated Dr Advani mentioning how the outlook towards the illness had changed for the better with the passage of time.

Substantiating his claim, Dr Advani mentioned how among all side-effects the loss of hair seemed to be the most traumatic that patients faced.

Saluting the spirit of cancer patients, Dr Advani said, “A lot of these brave souls go through pain and suffering with a smile on their faces and a spirit that’s invincible...”

He claimed that more than the illness itself, often people were apprehensive of the sympathy that people doled out by the bushel once they saw tell tale signs and symptoms f the illness.

“It’s only when you talk to these people that you really know what they’re thinking and going through. This is not a physical setback but more of an emotional one,” continued Dr Advani.

His talk was peppered with optimism as he expressed hope that future drugs would smoothen out side-effects but till that happens, the Mrs Menaxiben Shah and Mrs Rekhaben Shah Memorial Trust is determined to help cancer patients face the treatment.

This came from the horses’ mouths as Divya Vakaya and Harisha Jathwani, who have been living with cancer testified at the press conference.

“It affects you mentally and I would like to thank the trust for their support as it really boosts our self-confidence and image,” stated Harisha Jathwani.