Victorians
living in regional areas who have lost their hair through cancer treatment can now
access Cancer Council Victoria's free Regional Wig Service.
Rather
than needing to travel to Melbourne to have a wig fitted, people affected by
cancer can call Cancer Council 13 11 20, complete a form to select their style
and colour and an appropriate wig will be sent out within ten days at no cost. Patients going
through cancer treatment can also request a beanie, headscarf or sleep cap.
Katherine
Lane, Nurse Manager of Cancer Council 13 11 20, said the organisation
identified last year that patients living in regional areas of Victoria had limited access
to a free or low cost service in their area.
"We know that approximately 50%
of callers to Cancer Council 13 11 20 who are interested in a wig service or
information on local wig services are living in regional Victoria," Ms Lane
said.
"Patients were telling us they
found it difficult to be able to attend appointments in Melbourne due to the
cost of travel, the distance in travel and often feeling too unwell.
"Cancer Council Victoria's
Regional Wig Service has been designed to complement our existing service in
Melbourne, as well as local community services to provide an easily accessible
service."
Patients living more than 50km
from Melbourne, without a local wig service close to home, are eligible to
receive a wig via the regional service.
Since 2012, Cancer Council
Victoria has provided around 1,000 patients with a free wig, including 32 wigs
through the new regional service.
"I am so
grateful for this service, so easy to organise and the wig was a perfect match
to my old hairstyle. I was able to go out to lunch with friends wearing my new
wig and I felt so normal. This service is so helpful to anyone like me living
far from the city and unable to afford the cost of a wig." Val, Benalla VIC
Ms Lane said wigs can often leave
patients out of pocket, at an already expensive time in their lives.
"Our Wig Service is
designed for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford the cost of a
wig, which often leave patients out of pocket $300 - $500."
Around 100 synthetic wigs are available from Cancer Council Victoria, in a wide
range of colours and styles.
For
more information about the Cancer Council Victoria Wig Service, please call Cancer
Information and Support on 13 11 20 to speak with a friendly cancer nurse.