A Practical Guide for men in cancer treatment

Looking Good Can Help You Feel Better - Physically And Emotionally.

And feeling better can put you in charge. Whatever you want to do, you shouldn’t have to compromise because you don’t look “right” or feel quite yourself. In fact, physicians agree a better outlook can begin by reducing the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

Wash

·             Switch to a face wash formulated for sensitive skin.

·             Use warm (not hot) water to open pores and protect surface capillaries.

·             Avoid granular scrub before shaving as this can cause razor-burn.

Shaving

·             Switch to an electric razor to prevent cuts.

·             Warm skin first with water or hot towel and rinse afterwards with cool water.

·             Avoid alcohol, methanol or strong fragrance.

·             If must use a manual razor (discuss with your doctor first):

o         keep it sharp

o         always rinse after use

o         shake off excess water without wiping

o         Soften hair follicles with shave gel - leave it on your face for about one minute before the first stroke.

·             Let skin rest a bit from shaving before applying other products

·             Smooth and relieve dry, flaky skin:

o         Dampen a cotton ball with alcohol-free toner and gently swab over face.

o         Apply a pea-size amount of light moisturiser on cheeks, forehead and chin

·             If blemishes are an issue, avoid products with harsh disinfecting ingredients

·             Use moisturiser on the other parts of the body where skin is dry.

Protect

·             Sunscreen - everyday (sunscreen use should be discussed with your doctor).

·             Sunscreen and other products should not be used on radiation treatment areas.

·             Ask your doctor if you can use a men’s self-tanning cream or bronzer

Enhance

·           Use concealer to hide facial discolourations - you’d be surprised how often it’s done.

·             Find a concealer that precisely matches your skin tone

Cut

·            Comb hair gently

·             Use a mild shampoo.

·             Consider cutting it short or even having it neatly clipped to the scalp

·            Just remember, doctor’s caution against shaving the scalp with a razor, which can cause hard-to-heal cuts, which, can result in infection when blood counts are low.

·             Hair prostheses can conceal bald spots

Counteract

·             Try a clear or coloured brow gel or eyebrow shaper

·             Brow pencil also works for minor gaps

Exercise

·            The right workout can increase energy, reduce stress and offset potential weight gain

·             Speak to your doctor and listen to your body: don’t go overboard.

·             Extra kilos during treatment water retention or hormonal changes.

·             Talk with your physician about your exercise regimen and whether a change is necessary

·             Avoid high-risk sports to prevent bleeding from injuries or rough contact.

Moderation

·             If you smoke, make the effort to quit: always a positive step for health

·             Limit alcohol consumption

·             Allow adequate time for rest

TLC

·             Keep feet cool, dry and clean and don’t pumice or scrub too harshly.

·             Use nails clippers gently - so you don’t cut the skin.

·             If you get professional manicures:

o         Do not allow your cuticles to be cut

o         Insist on fresh implements and soaking solution

·             Oral hygiene is also important during treatment

Unwind

·            Massage therapy is one popular choice: relaxing the muscles can often relax the mind.

·             Other techniques such as yoga, deep breathing and meditation may also be useful: discuss with your doctor.

Get Support

·             It helps to have family and friends that you can turn to for emotional support.

·             Seek out others with cancer to talk and share experiences

·             The South African Cancer Society (CANSA) can connect you with others affected by cancer.

Learn

·             Remember that knowledge is power. 

·             Take notes.

·             Bring written questions to appointments.

·             Seek out reliable cancer information to help you make informed decisions.

As Lance Armstrong said of his cancer experience on www.cycleofhope.org, “I was scared and confused. Then I decided to learn as much as a could about the illness and fight for my life.”