Information about breast cancer
Your new hair after chemo
It is a major fear of many women treated with chemo for breast cancer: hair loss. Chemotherapy involves administering drugs that kill fast-dividing cells, such as cancer cells. Unfortunately, these products do not discriminate against other fast-digesting cells: the cells in our hair follicles.
Hair follicles are structures in the skin from which hairs grow. These cells divide every 23 to 72 hours. When you receive chemo, your hair can become thinner and you may lose your hair, both your head hair and body hair. Sometimes your eyelashes and eyebrows also fall out. How quickly this happens depends on the type of chemotherapy and your individual sensitivity. Your hairdresser will advise and assist you.
Usually, after chemotherapy, you get your hairstyle back the way it was before. Some women, who had their hair dyed for years, rediscover their natural hair color. Occasionally, the new hair has a different color and also feels different.
- 3 to 4 weeks after last chemotherapy: soft down
- After 1 to 1.5 months: the first real hairs
- After 2 to 3 months: 2 inches of hair! Demi Moore for her role in G.I. Jane
- After 3 to 6 months: snappy short head
- After 1 year: ample room for a stylish short haircut
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Working as part of healing
About 2 in 3 cancer patients resume work in whole or in part within 1 to 2 years of their diagnosis. With a customized reintegration plan, working is part of healing. However, according to professor of occupational medicine Lode Godderis, patients are not helped enough in their return process. With Pink Monday , Pink Ribbon is bringing attention to the problem.
How Marie-Paule Meert is making a difference for cancer patients with La Vie-là
After an impressive career in politics, Marie-Paule Meert herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. What began as a difficult period grew into a mission to help others. With her open house La Vie-là in Ottignies, she created a warm place where cancer patients find support, understanding and connection. Today, she puts her experience to good use within the Board of Directors of Pink Ribbon and continues to build a strong network of open houses in Wallonia.
Ten tips for a successful return to work
A significant proportion of those diagnosed with breast cancer each year are under 65 years of age and working. They remain disabled for three months to more than two years. Return to work requires extra attention.
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