Cancer Council Queensland and Wishlist have teamed up to expand essential support cancer services for local cancer patients on the Sunshine Coast.
Every year, more than 3000 Sunshine Coast residents are diagnosed with cancer with over 1,000 people dying every year. In a new collaboration, Cancer Council Queensland and Wishlist have joined forces to help close the healthcare gap, ensuring everyone has access to cancer support services across the Sunshine Coast.
Cancer Council Queensland’s Wig and Turban service is now available at Wishlist’s accommodation facility - Wishlist Centre – opposite the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The service offers a personal fitting with a trained volunteer. There are a range of wigs and headwear to choose from, at no cost.
This means cancer patients across the Coast, including those undergoing treatment in hospital and regional patients staying at Wishlist Centre, can access the service without the stress and inconvenience of travel during treatment.
"We are excited to team up with Cancer Council Queensland to offer essential support services at our accommodation facility, Wishlist Centre, for local cancer patients. This collaboration extends our commitment to enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for those facing a cancer diagnosis,” said Wishlist CEO, Lisa Rowe.
“Wishlist Centre is a hive of activity for patients of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, plus accommodation guests and their families. The Wigs and Turbans Service is just one of the many free or low-cost, holistic, and therapeutic support services we offer at the Centre.
"The Wigs and Turbans Service - available every Monday and Tuesday at Wishlist Centre – offers a personalised support for cancer patients dealing with hair loss. It’s more than just providing wigs and turbans, it’s about restoring confidence, individuality, and a sense of normalcy during a challenging time.
“Other services include sound immersion therapy, gentle yoga, havening, therapy dog visits, massage and reiki – all designed to uplift, comfort and support those going through a difficult health journey,” said Ms. Rowe.
Local nurse and Mum of two, Kate McIllmurray, had her life turned upside down when she received her breast cancer diagnosis in December 2023. A month later she was booked in for a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and began hormone blocking drugs which she’ll continue for the next 10 years.
For Kate, Cancer Council Queensland’s wig and turban service was a source of comfort that meant she had some control over a situation where most cancer patients feel helpless.
"For most people who experience cancer, losing your hair is a big deal. For me, it was about having a little bit of control about the things I couldn’t control that were about to happen in my life. My husband and daughters had an afternoon cutting off my hair, because I didn’t want to lose it during chemo,’ Kate said.
“I then went to Cancer Council Queensland for my wig and turban fitting and I got to try on some different turbans and get the different colours that would work with the clothes I wear most often. It was a really fun and helpful experience.”
Each year, more than 32,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer, so most Cancer Council Queensland volunteers have a personal experience with cancer, either as a patient or carer. This means they can provide empathy, understanding, and validation to those currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Amanda Moles from Cancer Council Queensland has been fitting Queenslanders with Wigs & Turbans for nearly 3 years. She says her job is a privilege and is grateful to be able to support and provide comfort to cancer patients when they need it most.
“Cancer treatment is confronting enough as it is, but when people lose their hair, they often feel they’ve lost their individuality. It makes a huge difference in helping someone regain their confidence,” said Miss Moles.
Sunshine Coast cancer patients can access Cancer Council Queensland’s Wig and Turban service, available at Wishlist Centre, by calling the 13 11 20 Information and Support Line.
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