Many women undergoing treatment for cancer, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can face several side effects of their drug programme.
One very common side effect is hair loss.
This is because anti-cancer drugs attack cancer cells - and unfortunately this includes healthy cells plus those in the hair follicle.
This in turn causes hair to fall out.
For a female, hair loss can be a very distressing experience as hair is often a big part of their identity.
Many women have described losing their hair as more upsetting than facing cancer itself.
Thankfully, hair loss is not a side effect of all forms of treatments and if it is, it's often only temporary.
Approach the issue of hair loss before it occurs Many women find it useful to start planning a course of action prior to or as soon as cancer treatment commences.
Depending on your type of treatment, hair can fall out 2-3 after treatment begins.
It might therefore be useful to start thinking about hair replacement options.
Begin your search for an experienced wig consultant.
Start reviewing ladies wigs' stores - there are some excellent online stores offering outstanding, natural-looking ladies wigs.
Explore product ranges, colours, fabrics, wig types and styles available to you.
Take advantage of free wig consultations If you decide to visit a hair clinic or a wig fitter, a reputable organisation will have discreet and empathetic staff who can offer you a free initial consultation.
During this consultation you might be able to handle quality ladies wigs and products, ask questions, share your concerns and perhaps even book an appointment to cut your hair before hair loss occurs.
Remember: cutting your hair is a personal decision Whether or not you decide to cut your hair in advance of your treatment is entirely your own decision.
Some women prefer to shave their head so that they can find the best-fitting wig as soon as possible.
Others prefer to leave their hair as it is and delay being fitted for a wig until necessary.
If you still have all your hair at your free consultation, you may be offered a wig cap to contain your hair and help find a good fitting wig.
It's worth noting wigs can always be adjusted at any point in your journey but it's of course easier for wigs to be made smaller and not the other way around.
Familiarise yourself with different types of wigs Nowadays wigs are made from a variety of base materials and feature different hair knotting techniques - all of which offer unique benefits to you.
For instance, a wig made with a monofilament top fabric - commonly referred to as a 'mono-top' wig - provide a very realistic-looking top of the wig.
The fabric is flesh-coloured and hair is knotted in a way that looks like it is growing out of the scalp.
A mono-top wig is ideal for those women who like to part their hair in different ways.
Lace-front wigs offer a near-invisible hairline - ideal for those who like to sweep their hair back.
Speak to your wig consultant who will happily show you different types of ladies wigs and help you make your decision.
Colour tricks you didn't know about...
Colour options are vast and varied.
Rooted colours and silver-blends are increasingly popular.
If you choose a real hair wig, it can be cut and highlighted according to your needs.
You might also find it useful to opt for one shade lighter.
This is because of the increased hair density of wigs which can make colours look darker or the wig look heavier.
People rarely notice one shade lighter but it can make all the difference to you and help boost confidence!