The end of cancer treatment can mark a significant milestone, but recovery often continues well beyond hospital visits and medical procedures. For women undergoing treatment for breast and ovarian cancer, chemotherapy-related hair loss can bring additional emotional challenges, affecting self-image, confidence and the process of returning to everyday life.
A new initiative, StrandStrength, launched by the Debabrata Mitalee Auro Foundation (DAF) in association with QR678® Products, aims to address this often-overlooked aspect of cancer recovery. The nationwide programme intends to support up to 5,000 women by providing complimentary cosmetic hair and scalp care products, alongside access to dermatologist-guided support.
The initiative plans to build a network of approximately 100 dermatologists to help beneficiaries access the programme. DAF will coordinate with cancer hospitals, foundations, survivor networks and community organisations to identify eligible women and facilitate their participation.
Addressing the emotional impact of hair loss
Hair loss is a recognised side effect of several chemotherapy treatments, and its impact can extend beyond physical appearance. Changes in body image and self-confidence can add to the emotional strain of an already demanding recovery journey.
A 2023 study conducted at Tata Memorial Hospital, published in the South Asian Journal of Cancer, found that 58.66% of participants experienced severe distress associated with chemotherapy-induced hair loss. The study highlighted the importance of recognising the psychological impact of hair loss and providing appropriate support to patients.
StrandStrength seeks to respond to this need by making cosmetic hair and scalp care more accessible to women recovering from breast and ovarian cancer treatment. The programme is intended to complement their recovery journey, rather than replace medical care or treatment for cancer-related conditions.
Building access through partnerships
Under the initiative, QR678® Products will contribute hair and scalp care products with a stated maximum retail price (MRP) value of ₹40 crore. The products will be provided to beneficiaries free of charge through the programme.
DAF will oversee beneficiary identification, implementation and institutional partnerships, while participating dermatologists are expected to provide guidance on the use of the products. The proposed network of healthcare professionals and community organisations is intended to help the initiative reach women across different regions.
The programme’s approach also reflects the importance of collaboration between non-profit organisations, healthcare professionals and private-sector partners in addressing needs that may not always receive attention within conventional cancer support services.
Making dignity and well-being part of recovery
The initiative draws inspiration from an interaction recalled by Prof. Dr. Debraj Shome, founder of DAF, with a young woman undergoing breast cancer treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital in 2006. Her concerns about hair loss, despite receiving treatment for cancer, remained with him and helped shape the idea behind StrandStrength.
For the foundation, the programme represents an effort to recognise that the needs of cancer survivors do not end when treatment is completed. Personal confidence, emotional well-being and support in returning to everyday routines can also form part of the recovery experience.
With a target of reaching 5,000 women, StrandStrength aims to develop into a sustained national support platform through partnerships with cancer institutions, survivor groups and dermatologists. Its impact will ultimately depend on how effectively the proposed network is established, eligible women are reached and support is delivered across the country.
By bringing attention to the emotional and appearance-related challenges associated with cancer treatment, the initiative adds another dimension to the conversation around survivorship: supporting women not only through treatment, but also as they rebuild confidence and return to daily life.
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