With approximately 2 in 5 people to be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 in Australia, it’s likely that you or someone you know has been impacted by it. When Christina Arcane was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, one of the hardest aspects of getting treatment in hospital was the understandably sterile and emotionally draining environment. Doctors and nurses were dressed in either blue or grey scrubs, the bathrooms smelled of strong disinfectant, and the lighting was dim. But amidst the greyness was a pink poster plastered across the wall, representing a glimmer of hope that Christina desperately needed in this difficult time.
She’s talking about a flyer promoting the Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) program, a national cancer-support program which offers “free in-person and online workshops and Confidence Kits to help people with any type of cancer manage the most common physical and psychological impacts of treatment”.
With not many support services available to help cancer patients approach appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment, Look Good Feel Better launched in Australia in 1990. Since then, the organisation has helped over 190,000 Aussies going through cancer treatment, and Christina recalls one of the most memorable activities being learning to re-draw eyebrows after post-treatment hair loss. After feeling the impact of the organisation’s services during her own cancer journey, Christina now gives back as a volunteer with LGBF to help others with cancer.
Christina speaking at Revlon’s ‘Lipstick Land’ event. Photo: Vienna Marie
As she spoke on Monday night at Revlon’s ‘Lipstick Land’ event at Sydney’s Luna Park in celebration of International Lipstick Day, Christina also said that something as simple as applying a slick of lipstick during cancer treatment and recovery had the ability to lift her mood and confidence. With LGBF relying on corporate and community supporters in lieu of government funding, its partnership with cosmetics brand Revlon over several years has been particularly valuable.
This year, Revlon has already sold over 40,000 ‘ Super Lustrous’ lipsticks at Chemist Warehouse, where $2 will be donated to Look Good Feel Better – with consumers encouraged to continue purchasing as the donation period runs until August 7.
“I am so proud of the partnership between Revlon, and Chemist Warehouse to support and raise awareness for Look Good Feel Better,” said Revlon ANZ General Manager, Kaitlin Rady.
“As an organisation LGFB provides invaluable, practical skills and knowledge to manage appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. Knowing that we help in a small way to empower women and men to feel more like themselves, and hopefully face the day with a little more confidence is very important.”
With an insightful panel discussion hosted by brand ambassador Maria Thattil, and a performance by Delta Goodrem, the event was a purposeful celebration of International Lipstick Day, highlighting the importance of community and how the smallest gestures can help empower women during their cancer journey.
Photo: Vienna Marie