Decorated mannequin head used as a wig stand, associated with an individual's cancer diagnosis, 2016.

Decorated mannequin head used as a wig stand by Sarah, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. It was decorated by her daughter Caitlin, and represents the impact a cancer diagnosis may have within a family, as well as the impact of hair-loss on identity as a side-effect of chemotherapy.

This decorated mannequin head was used as a wig-stand by Sarah, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. It was decorated with love by her daughter Caitlin. Hair loss is a common side-effect associated with chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The wig-stand was donated as part of a collecting project to better document experiences of cancer and therapy, and represents the impact that a cancer diagnosis may have on a family, along with the impact on personal identity of hair loss associated with chemotherapy.

About the wig stand Sarah said: “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, my children were 10 and 13. I had lumpectomies, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We were open with my children about what was going on and what might happen when I started chemo treatment. My daughter Caitlin was concerned about me losing my hair so I wanted to involve her in things as much as possible. Before chemo started she came to my wig fitting and helped me choose a wig. Later she helped me shave off my hair when it began falling out at the end of my first chemo cycle. I had ordered a styrofoam mannequin head wig stand to put my wig on, and when it came my daughter asked if she could decorate it for me. It made me smile every time I looked at it! I didn't know how I would feel about losing my hair, but shaving it off actually made me feel empowered because I was in control. I never ended up actually wearing the wig more than a couple of times - I felt like a bit of a fraud with it on. I was amazed by how resilient my children were and how they dealt with my diagnosis and treatment. It fill me with hope and with positivity".