Thursday, October 3, 2024
HomeReaders ChoiceBest Products For Breast Cancer Patients

Best Products For Breast Cancer Patients

Together Beauty Whatever Wherever Leave

Top 18 Anti-Estrogen Foods That Fight Breast Cancer | Dr. Kristi Funk

When hair starts growing back, it often happens in uneven patches. I had so little hair at first that I didnt need to use a styling product at all for a while, and when I finally had enough hair to style, I didnt need a lot of product to do the job.

My stylist recommended another Together Beauty product, Whatever Wherever, which is a leave-in conditioner but does double duty as a light-hold styling product. Many women find that their hair is a different texture than it previously was when it grows back after chemo you may have seen this phenomenon described as chemo curls. Whatever Wherever was the only styling product I needed for the first year or so of regrowth, and it kept my curls well-maintained and under control.

Crown And Glory: Styleesteem Wardrobe Komen Together For A Cure

A stylish solution for those dealing with hair lossor just a bad hair daythis stretchy poly blend wrap is a great toss-on-and-go solution thats also incredibly chic. It was created by Sonya Keshwani, a cancer survivor since 2018 who found wearing a wig painful and untrue to her identity. Twenty percent of each head wrap sold is donated to Komen. And for every wrap sold, one is donated to a cancer patient in need. Available at styleesteemshop.com, $31

If You’re Doing Hormone Therapy Treatment

Moisturize… and moisturize some more. “The shift in hormones can lead to dryer skin,” says Dr. Kwong. Another common side effect is melasma or pigmentation, which is often worsened by exposure to UV rays and blue light from tech devices. “Make it a habit to wear sunscreen every single day, no matter what.”

Additional reporting byAshley Abramson.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Read more stories about breast cancer:

Recommended Reading: Metastatic Breast Cancer Survival Rate By Age

If You Have Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer also referred to as stage four breast cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes around the breast, and into other parts of the body. According to Tanya Gupta, a breast oncologist and clinical assistant professor at Stanford Health Care, metastatic breast cancer usually isnt curable but many patients still seek treatment to improve their quality of life.

Treatments depend on the subtype of breast cancer you have. Some people undergo radiation or chemotherapy with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, while others take medication. All of these treatments can come with skin-specific side effects, so Gupta recommends speaking to your oncologist, who can refer you to a dermatologist if needed to address specific skin concerns during treatment.

No matter what kind of treatment you choose, think of your skin regimen as one important component of your overall self-care routine. “For people with metastatic breast cancer, physical well-being is a priority, but so is mental well-being,” says Dr. Gupta.

First Softies In Range Of Skin Tones Launched By Royal Marsden Clinicians For Breast Cancer Patients

Top Ten Gifts For Breast Cancer Patients  Not Another Bunch Of Flowers

The UKs first softies in a variety of skin tones have been launched today by clinicians from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Nubian Skin, following funding from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This news comes at the start of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Black History Month

A softie is a lightweight fabric prosthesis that women with breast cancer are often provided after a mastectomy to wear in their bra. Some women use a softie temporarily before reconstructive surgery, while others wear one before using a permanent silicon prosthesis. However, many women use their softie long-term, as they can be more comfortable than other options.

Despite their wide use, a survey of 100 women of colour by Black Women Rising a project that aims to raise awareness of cancer amongst people of colour, advocates for their needs and provides support – revealed that nearly three quarters of those who use a softie, prosthetic breast or nipple were not offered one to match their skin tone.

Following these results, along with feedback from patients, including from The Royal Marsden, Natalie Johnson, a Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon at The Royal Marsden, and Sarah Adomah, Lead Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist at the hospital, approached Nubian Skin to create in partnership a range of new, more inclusive softie covers to help improve the care women of colour receive following a mastectomy.

Recommended Reading: Most Recent Survival Rates For Her2 Positive Breast Cancer

Right On The Kisser: Beauty Bakerie Drive Me Glazy Liquid Gloss Lipstick

Cashmere Nicoles 2010 diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, HER2+, ER+ and early-stage breast cancer put her on a mission: to focus her beauty line, Beauty Bakerie, on healthy ingredients that still performed. One of her personal favorites is this bronze lippie thats not only non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free, but features subtle glitter flecks that make your smile stand out from across the room. Available at beautybakerie.com, $18

Bonds Of London Sugar Free Sherbert Lemons

For sugar-free hard candy

Hard candy, such as lemon drops or mints, may help remove the unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth from chemotherapy. However, it is important to note that sugar-free candy may cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea in some people.

These sugar-free lemon sherbet candies come individually wrapped and feature a sherbert center.

They are available for around $6.99 on Amazon.

NCI states chemotherapy treatment can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, or red. It may even cause the skin to darken in appearance or peel, while the nails may also become cracked and dark.

Fragrance-free skin care that is gentle and mild can help moisturize and soothe dry and irritated skin, and lip balms and hand creams can ease chapped or cracked lips and nails.

Dont Miss: What To Say To Someone Dying Of Cancer

Also Check: Can Keeping Your Phone In Your Bra Cause Breast Cancer

What Are Good Food Sources

Proteins make up the structure of not just animal cells but also plant cells.

Hence, its present in plant foods such as broccoli, grains such as quinoa, and nuts such as peanut butter.

They have a little less protein than traditional proteins, such as eggs and red meat, but are still good sources of protein.

To assure that youre getting the best mix of amino acids in your diet, its best to vary your protein sources.

That way you can be sure that you have adequate protein quality in your diet.

The Best Body Moisturiser During Cancer Treatment

Cancer-Fighting Foods

“I really rate Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion , £7.69. It’s soothing, unfragranced and contains colloidal oats that have a prebiotic function to help maintain the skin barrier.

If you need extra nourishment, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Repairing Balm , £14, is thicker and contains pro-vitamin B5 which, again, reduces transepidermal water loss.”

Read Also: What Are The Side Effects Of Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer

Is Protein Powder Good For Cancer Patients

Protein powders can be a convenient way for cancer patients to get more protein.

Whey protein isolate in particular can help malnourished advanced cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy improve muscle strength and body weight as shown in a 2019 Cancer Medicines study.

Protein powders can be added to milk, juice, ice cream, hot cereal, and prepared foods like mashed potatoes or soup.

Keep in mind that an unflavored protein powder might be best if youre adding it to things like mashed potatoes or soup.

Exchange Old Foam And Furniture That Contains Chemical Flame Retardants

Start replacing your old furniture, carpet and foam padding with naturally flame retardant materials like wool, cotton, and hardwood. These materials reach the point of combustion more slowly than synthetic materials treated with flame retardants. Choose furniture that isnt treated with chemical flame retardants.

Read Also: Can Breast Cancer Cause Itchy Skin

Together Beauty Wash & Co Co

In the interest of keeping it simple when you have enough hair to wash but its still pretty minimal, using one co-washing product instead of a separate shampoo and conditioner is an easy and efficient option. When I was going through this phase, one option recommended to me by my hairstylist was a cleansing conditioner called Wash & Co by Together Beauty, a haircare line created by the owner of the salon I go to.

If You Had A Mastectomy

Top 10 Skin Care Products For Breast Cancer Patients

Immediately after surgery, the top concern is preventing infection. “Make sure your skin is kept clean by following the instructions from your surgeon and look for signs like redness, drainage, or increasing pain,” advises Dr. Kwong.

To help scars heal, keep the area hydrated with an ointment. “I’m a big fan of petroleum jelly,” she says. “It seems so simple, but it doesn’t have a lot of ingredients that can irritate the skin.” We recommend Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly.

Additionally, Mother Nature will do a lot of the work to promote healing and scars will usually look lighter within a year’s time however, sun exposure can delay this. “Anytime UV hits pigmented skin, the pigment will last longer, which will delay the fading of the color,” explains Dr. Kwong. So always protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 30 or above. A few of Allure’s favorites: La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios 60 Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen, Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40, or Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30. The best option is the one you will use consistently.

If you are looking to accelerate healing, Biafine is a go-to for Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It’s a prescription medication that expedites healing by 33 percent, and is best used during the acute phase of healing right after surgery,” Engelman says. Always consult your doctor beforehand.

Don’t Miss: What Is The 10 Year Survival Rate For Breast Cancer

Is The Best Product For Chemo Patients Right For Your Needs

The question that you have to ask yourself before buying any of the best product for chemo patients is whether or not they will suit your needs. Besides, you must clearly define what your needs and purposes are. From there, you can choose the best product and serve it according to your requirements.

Types Of Breast Surgeries

There are two main types of surgeries –

  • Breast-conserving surgery: also known as lumpectomy, quadrantectomy, partial mastectomy, or segmental mastectomy. In this surgery, efforts are made to remove a cancerous tumor and parts of the adjoining tissue. How much is removed depends on how big the tumor is and how much of the surrounding area has been affected.
  • Mastectomy: In this type of surgery, the entire breast is removed. A double mastectomy is where both breasts are removed.
  • HPFY has a wide variety of products that can help you to regain confidence after breast cancer surgery. Items such as post-mastectomy bras, mastectomy breast forms, post-surgical bras, breast enhancers, gowns and camisoles, breast binders, and post-lumpectomy breast forms are all designed with comfort and compassion in mind.

    You May Like: How Accurate Is Ultrasound In Detecting Breast Cancer

    Powders Supplement Drinks Meal Replacements Or Shakes Does It Matter

    Whether you choose to use powders, oral supplement drinks, meal replacements, shakes, or other products is to some extent up to you.

    From a nutrition standpoint, when you compare them as supplemental protein sources, they are probably pretty comparable.

    Whats important though is that you find a protein supplement drink or powder that you like and use it regularly to help meet your protein needs.

    However, as described above, nutritional supplement drinks for cancer patients can be of various quality and have many processed ingredients besides protein.

    In a nutshell, its really hard to mimic nature. Man-made nutritional supplements dont compare well to food in the number of nutrients or protective effects.

    If youre unable to eat enough food though or get enough protein from food, then meal replacements can be an option.

    As the name suggests, theyre meant to be used instead of food.

    However, its a good idea to mix in regular food if you can and only use them to replace meals if youre unable to eat a regular diet.

    In any case, its prudent to choose quality products. Examples of quality products for cancer patients are Kate Farms shakes.

    Their products use organic pea protein and range from 330-500 calories and 16-24 grams of protein per serving.

    But they also provide vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients not always found in regular protein shakes in the supermarket.

    What Helps Hair Growth After Chemo

    Aetna Insurance denies treatment for breast cancer patients

    Cold capping wasnt as popular in 2008 as it is today. When I go in for my yearly oncologist visits, the waiting room is bustling with ice chests.

    I lost all my hair from chemotherapy, including eyelashes, eyebrows and just about everything else. It was a real bummer. Here are some of the items I used to help with hair growth after chemo, plus a few new things I wish were available.

    Also Check: What Is Considered Early Breast Cancer

    Effectiveness Of Magic Mouthwash

    Magic mouthwash may help treat a sore mouth and ease mucositis symptoms. A doctor may also recommend it to help prevent mouth sores.

    Its difficult to know how well it works, though. In some cases, other treatments for mouth sores may work better.

    According to a 2015 study, a treatment called oral cryotherapy may be better for some people, because it doesnt usually cause side effects. This treatment uses cold therapy to treat infected or irritated areas in the mouth.

    A small 2015 study found that morphine mouthwash may be better than magic mouthwash at treating mouth sores. The study subjects included 30 adults who were being treated for head and neck cancer. More research is needed to confirm the results.

    A 2011 study compared magic mouthwash with 0.15 percent benzydamine hydrochloride. Benzydamine hydrochloride is a medication that helps bring down inflammation, swelling, and pain.

    The researchers concluded that magic mouthwash was just as effective as the 0.15 percent benzydamine hydrochloride in helping prevent the development of mouth sores in people undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

    In addition to morphine mouthwash and 0.15 percent benzydamine hydrochloride, other possible treatments for mouth sores include:

    • chlorhexidine mouthwash, which is only available by prescription
    • calcium phosphate rinse
    • a rinse made with baking soda and salt
    • MuGard, an oral gel that may be swallowed or swished around in the mouth like a mouthwash

    Can I Lower My Risk Of Breast Cancer Progressing Or Coming Back

    If you have breast cancer, you probably want to know if there are things you can do that might lower your risk of the cancer growing or coming back, such as getting or staying active, eating a certain type of diet, or taking nutritional supplements. Fortunately, breast cancer is one of the best studied types of cancer in this regard, and research has shown there are some things you can do that might be helpful.

    Staying as healthy as possible is more important than ever after breast cancer treatment. Controlling your weight, being physically active, and eating well may help you lower your risk of breast cancer coming back, as well as help protect you from other health problems.

    You May Like: Can You Have Radiation More Than Once For Breast Cancer

    Womens Wallaroo Petite Charlie Hat

    Lowest Price

    Product Details

    Sophisticated resort style fedora hat for small heads. Contrast stitch two-tone structure provides perfect harmony. Packable, travel friendly hat to take along your next vacation. Grosgrain ribbon band with signature WALLAROO pin.

    C-crown, slightly pinched front. Brim is 2. 75 wide. Rated for excellent UPF 50+ sun protection. Blocks UVA and UVB rays. This UPF 50+ fabric has also received the Skin Cancer Foundations recommendation.

    Inner drawstring to reduce size. Small size hat, fits up to 55-56 cm. Spot clean only. 100% polypropylene.

    Reviews From Real Customers

    I purchased the Gabi hat and received it on June 21, 2022. When I tried on the hat, I was not impressed with the fit. I couldnt secure a tight enough fit and the Velcro kept getting tangled in my hair.

    I have thick curly hair. I decided to return the hat, since it didnt fit correctly. After a night of mulling it over, I decided to make some adjustments to the hat. Here are the issues and what I did to make the hat fit better.

    Incorrect placement of Velcro I removed the Velcro and switched their placement. The hook side of the Velcro should be on the left tab and the loop side should be on the right tab. -This now alleviated the problem of the Velcro getting caught in my hair.

    Dont Miss: Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment Side Effects

    Useful Gifts For Cancer Patients

    The best beauty products for Breast Cancer Awareness month

    One of Dr Fionas most-asked questions is what to buy someone going through cancer treatment. But while it can be tempting to treat someone to spa-like bath oils and divinely-scented body creams, she advises steering well clear.

    All cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy have the potential to leave skin dry, sensitive and red so the last thing you want to do is irritate it further with alcohol, essential oils and fragrance, explains Dr Fiona.

    If they like fragrance, she suggests a scented candle or a diffuser as a more practical alternative.

    Some chemotherapy drugs can make hands and feet more sensitive to the cold and cause extreme tingling. A gift of warm gloves and socks is always a welcome one to combat these symptoms.

    Another sensible gift is to upload some new books or a film onto someones tablet. Simple distractions, like these, can help to pass the time more pleasantly while theyre waiting around during treatment.

    Silk or cotton headscarves and turbans are an excellent choice for patients suffering from sensitive scalps following hair loss. Ive also recently come across The Cancer Care Parcel an excellent company that puts together hampers based on age, gender and interests. It takes advice from cancer patients on the items theyve genuinely found useful during their journey, Dr Fiona adds.

    You may also like

    Dont Miss: How Much Are Radiators For Cars

    Recommended Reading: Free Things For Breast Cancer Patients

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Popular Articles