DONATE LOVE, DONATE HOPE, DONATE HAIR

A UNIVERSITY EXTENSION INITIATIVE SUPPORTING THE SELF-ESTEEM OF WOMEN WITH CANCER

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33362/ext.v13i1.3851

Keywords:

Wigs., Cancer., Self-esteem. , Alopecia.

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of malignant neoplasms among women, both in Brazil and worldwide, representing a diagnosis that brings significant challenges to physical and mental health. Among the most impactful side effects is alopecia, a common consequence of chemotherapy, which directly affects self-esteem and body image perception. In light of this reality, the Academic Oncology League (LAOn) of the Medicine program at the Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe University (UNIARP), in partnership with the Aesthetics and Cosmetics Technology program, conceived and carried out the campaign “Donate love, donate hope, donate hair.” The initiative promoted the cutting and collection of hair to be used in the making of wigs, which were then donated to the Women’s Cancer Support Networks (Redes Femininas de Combate ao Câncer) in the municipalities of Porto União and Xanxerê, in the state of Santa Catarina. A total of 66 hair locks and one natural mega hair extension were collected, demonstrating the campaign’s strong potential for social mobilization. The campaign stood out as a solidarity initiative with a direct impact on promoting the physical and emotional well-being of women undergoing cancer treatment, highlighting the role of universities and academic leagues in connecting health, empathy, and social responsibility.

References

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Published

2025-10-20

How to Cite

VIDI ZANELLA, Matheus Fernando; PRADA DA SILVA, Mariel Valéria; BARROS, Bruna Luize; CANTELE DELLA LATTA, Valentina; SPERRY, Pedro Henrique; FANTINEL, Marcia Cristiane; NARLOCH, Sally Douglas; CENTA, Ariana. DONATE LOVE, DONATE HOPE, DONATE HAIR: A UNIVERSITY EXTENSION INITIATIVE SUPPORTING THE SELF-ESTEEM OF WOMEN WITH CANCER. Extensão em Foco (ISSN: 2317-9791), [S. l.], v. 13, n. 1, p. 75–83, 2025. DOI: 10.33362/ext.v13i1.3851. Disponível em: https://periodicos.uniarp.edu.br/index.php/extensao/article/view/3851. Acesso em: 6 dec. 2025.