Hairdressing and Surviving Breast Cancer with Nicky Elkington
Most of us, myself included, will have someone in our lives who has been directly impacted by breast cancer.
Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I have devoted this episode to talking about the disease that one in seven women develop during the course of their lives.
The salon industry is predominantly female-led, and due to the nature of the work, hairdressers are often given access to the most personal details of their clients' lives.
Today’s guest is Nicky Elkington, who is both a hairdresser and a survivor of breast cancer. Today, she is here to talk about her experience of surviving breast cancer.
In today’s podcast, we will discuss:
- How Nicky dealt with the initial impact of finding out she had breast cancer
- The treatments she underwent
- Dealing with hair loss…
And lots more!
In this Episode:
[03:49] Nicky shares an overview of her life story.
[06:40] Some of the causes and different types of breast cancer.
[09:49] The average age that people are diagnosed with breast cancer.
[13:01] How Nicky’s diagnosis changed her life.
[15:50] The importance of doing regular check-ups.
[17:37] Challenges that Nicky had to deal with post-diagnosis.
[21:57] Why Nicky recommends staying away from Google if you are looking for information relating to breast cancer.
[25:07] Nicky’s thoughts on the stages of grief and her approach to handling her diagnosis.
[28:01] An explanation of “cancer ghosting.”
[29:56] What to say and not to say to someone with cancer.
[32:31] Some of the most helpful ways to offer your support to someone with cancer.
[37:57] Nicky’s deep attachment to her hair.
[39:35] What cold caps are and the benefits they offer to cancer patients.
[44:04] How chemotherapy can change your hair.
[45:40] Understanding secondary breast cancer.
[48:52] The positives of Nicky’s cancer journey.
Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
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Special thanks to Nicky for sharing their insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!
Antony
Links and Resources:
Grow My Salon Business
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Nicky Elkington
Instagram | ‘Breast Cancer and Hair’ Episode
And Then Came Breast Cancer
Future Dreams
Dr. Liz O’Riordan
You, Me, and the Big C