Wig service gives regional Victorians with cancer confidence

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 phone Cancer Council 13 11 20, complete a form to select their style and colour and an appropriate wig will be sent out within 10 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 per cent 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.

“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 50-kilometres 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.

For more information about the Cancer Council Victoria Wig Service, phone Cancer Information and Support on 13 11 20 to speak with a friendly cancer nurse.