The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre at St George’s have begun to provide pampering sessions for men with metastatic prostate cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.

In partnership with Look Good, Feel Better – an international cancer support charity – the sessions aim to boost the physical and emotional wellbeing of cancer patients.

Initially the workshops were aimed at women with breast cancer, however, the Look Good, Feel Better team adapted the sessions for men – offering advice on skin care, shaving and hair styling.

Following a successful first session last year, Diane O’Connell, Urology and Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, collaborated with our Macmillan team to hold a second session for men in February. They now plan to run more sessions later this year.

Diane said: “These sessions are about giving patients with cancer a confidence boost. While it was initially aimed at women, it began to be rolled out across the UK for men.

“We were the first hospital in London to offer this workshop to men. Cancer treatments are known to affect the hair, skin and nails – so we organise these sessions to give patients advice, a good bit of pampering and the chance to meet men in a similar situation.”

“It has been an overwhelming success – the men who have attended have really enjoyed getting together and the advice from the Look Good, Feel Better team has been excellent. We look forward to running more groups in the future.”

St George’s has a dedicated Macmillan Cancer Information centre. You can contact the team on cancer.information@stgeorges.nhs.uk  or visit the website.