Restoring Confidence: Supporting Wig Services for Edinburgh Cancer Centre Patients

Imagine feeling like you have lost your identity and your sense of self at one of the most vulnerable times of your life. For many cancer patients undergoing treatment, that’s exactly what happens. But, thanks to our wonderful donors, patients can feel like themselves again.

Emma Childs, a Nurse Consultant in Oncology at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, shares just one of the ways donations are making a lasting difference to patients.

I’m Emma and for over 28 years I’ve played an essential role throughout people’s cancer journeys when they need it most. Regardless of what stage you’re at in life, getting a cancer diagnosis can impact on every part of your daily life.

“Many patients undergoing chemotherapy will lose their hair early on in their treatment. Thanks to the support of the Charity’s donors, we are providing high-quality wigs to every patient to help them feel more like themselves and feel confident when they see their reflection in the mirror.

“For a lot of cancer patients, losing their hair, their eyebrows and eyelashes can be incredibly traumatic. It affects their body image as well as giving the perception to the world that they are ill.

“It is important we get the timing right to help patients cope with losing their hair. As soon as the treatment plan has been advised, our Clinical Nurse Specialists offer a prescription so patients can choose from a wide range of wigs. Some patients choose a wig that’s similar to their usual style, whilst others take the opportunity to go with something completely different.

“When a patient feels better about how they look, it’s easier for them to confidently get on with their daily lives.”

For patients facing the emotional toll of hair loss, wigs offer more than just coverage — they restore confidence, dignity, and a sense of self.