Hair loss is one of the side effects of patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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This occurs when chemotherapy drugs travel throughout the body to kill cancer cells. Some of these drugs damage hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out.
Hair loss can be a traumatic experience, especially for women.
Cansa aims to support people receiving therapy and experiencing hair loss through its Kindness Cut Project where donated hair is turned into wigs for patients.
“Hair is collected from Shavathon events but people drop off their ponytails throughout the year,” said care centre coordinator in Bedfordview Lucinda Carter.
She added hair collected from donors is sent to three different wig makers.
“Hair donations must be tied off on both ends and put in a plait because it makes it easier to turn into wigs,” Carter said.
She explained that Cansa’s wigmakers are situated in New York, Mozambique and Johannesburg.
“In May we received 62 wigs from our wig makers,” Carter said.
“Fascination Wigs also support Cansa and donated display heads and some synthetic wigs.
“Because of the donation we received, we have a variety of wigs on offer. We attempt to and cater for everyone, even children,” she said.
Carter recalled one of her young patients.
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“She was teased at a beach because she had no hair. Her mom contacted us and we were able to get her a wig. It was a rewarding day,” she said.
It takes anywhere from six to seven ponytails to make one wig.
“It all depends on the thickness and texture of the hair.”
Cansa Bedfordview has a wide range of wigs available, including human hair and synthetic.
To get in touch with Cansa Bedfordview for a wig or to drop off a hair donation, contact 011 616 7662.
Alternatively, the Cansa national toll-free help desk line can be reached on 0800 22 66 22, or email info@cansa.org.za
Cansa also offers multi-lingual support on WhatsApp 072 197 9305 for English and Afrikaans and 071 867 3530 for isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho and Siswati.
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