“C ancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and hair, but it doesn’t have to steal her self-confidence,” says the American Cancer Society (ACS). To buoy up a woman’s self-esteem during chemotherapy, radiation or other forms of cancer treatments, ACS collaborates with the Personal Care Products Council Foundation (PCPCF), the Professional Beauty Association and the National Cosmetology Association to train and certify thousands of volunteer beauty professionals to facilitate the Look Good…Feel Better (LGFB) program, which helps women manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatments.

Developed in 1989 by the PCPCF, a charitable organization established by the Personal Care Products Council (PCP) and Fragrance Association, the program is offered nationwide and in Puerto Rico. Personal Care Products Council member companies donate products used in LGFB and to date, more than 15,000 volunteers have served more than 800,000 women participants.

LGFB area facilitators such as Carolle Dukes, an oncology-certified aesthetician, wholeheartedly support this non-medical, brand-neutral, public service program. Dukes, who owns Olivé Skin Care, in Naples, advises, “Women have hair, skin, facial and nail changes during cancer treatment. Developing dry or sensitive skin, as well as changes in skin tone, is common and requires that women change the products they use on their skin, as well as their daily skincare routines. Nails and nail beds can also change color, become brittle, grooved, lifted or sensitive due to chemotherapy.”

LGFB area trainer LaDonna Roye is the owner of LaDonna Roye Hairstylist, a hair salon in Naples that carries wigs by Raquel Welch Hair and Eva Gabor, as well as hairpieces and extensions from Top Secret. “Hair loss is one of the most difficult side effects for men and women, and unfortunately, few individuals know about all their options, which is why I enjoy showing them how they can help maintain their physical appearance,” says Roye.

Upcoming LGFB programs, which are free and offered in Spanish and English, are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20 and September 17, at the American Cancer Society’s Naples facility. LGFB also offers a dedicated website for men (LookGoodFeelBetterForMen.org), programs for teens (LookGoodFeelBetter.org/2bMe/2bMe.html), and individual consultations in select areas. Registration is required two weeks prior to any program.

For more information, self-help mailer kits or support online or via a 24-hour hotline, contact the National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-227-2345 or visit LookGoodFeelBetter.org. Those unable to attend a program can request a free mail-order video, Just For You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Help You Look Good and Feel Better During Cancer Treatment.