Features • Nutrition and healthy skin • Your skin at the gym • Fun in the sun Tools you can use! • Skin Clock • Are you taking care of your skin? • Rx for Action Skin-care products An ounce of prevention - as the saying goes - is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to skin care, this sage piece of advice takes on a new twist, because for things like wrinkles there is no cure - yet. MORE Cosmetic Concerns Chemotherapy is commonly associated with hair loss, weight change and other effects on appearance. MORE FAQs I've recently reached menopause and I've been having acne breakouts lately. I've been giving into my chocolate cravings over the past few months - is the chocolate to blame for my acne? MORE

Cosmetic concerns

What many people fear most about chemotherapy is not how sick it will make them feel - it's how sick it will make them look. People worry about losing their hair, getting bad skin and losing or gaining weight. Not everyone experiences these side effects. But for those who do, there are ways of dealing with them.

Keeping up appearances
Some people feel like giving up when they lose their hair. But it's worth it to keep yourself looking as sharp as possible. If you look in the mirror and see an attractive person, it will help you stay healthier. You will feel more confident and in control. Here are some things to do to keep up your appearance:

• If your clothes don't fit, have some of them altered, or buy a few new items. There are a number of stores that sell clothes for less than you would expect. You don't have to spend a lot of money to look good!
• Accessorize. You won't need to have scarfs, ties or pins altered, and a small item can really add sparkle.
• Treat yourself. Have a spa day, a manicure, a massage. If there was ever a time you could justify it, it's now.
• Take care of your skin. Ask your doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist about skin creams and facial treatments to use. But be gentle. If you shave, you may want to use an electric razor to prevent breaks in the skin.
• Exercise. Ask your doctor to help you determine how much you can manage. Keeping fit will keep you looking and feeling healthier.

If you're losing your hair, you may want to get a wig. If so, get one while you still have hair, so you can match the colour. But you may not want to get a wig. Some people prefer hats or scarves instead.

Support groups
There are many support groups and resources to help people undergoing chemotherapy to deal with appearance changes. One group that's focused on this is Look Good, Feel Better (www.lgfb.ca). They're dedicated to promoting a positive self-image for women with cancer. They have support from private companies as well as many volunteers who can help you with techniques and answer questions.

You can also turn to the Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca) for information and contacts. They have support groups for men and women dealing with cancer. They also have a wealth of resources on their website, as do the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). Go for help and support - you'll be glad you did.