Hi gilmour1
Thanks for posting.
Many people ask about hair removal from under the arms following treatment for breast cancer, especially if they have had surgery and radiotherapy to the area.
Taking extra care if you’re removing underarm hair or hair on your arm is important in order to help avoid any irritation, as well as any infection in the area and reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema.
It’s important that your wounds are fully healed before you use any form of hair removal. An electric razor or hair removal cream are less likely to damage the skin. However, do remember to perform a patch test first and always use hair removal cream with caution (even after patch testing).
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
You may be particularly interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.
You can also call our helpline if you would like to talk this through further or have any other questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
We will be closed on Wednesday 18 June for our staff conference.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
We’re currently evaluating this service. If you’d like to provide feedback, please click the link to complete the survey . It should take approximately 10 minutes.
Best wishes
Catherine
Breast Care Nurse
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