The country’s first shop dedicated to helping ease the side effects of cancer has opened at Guy’s Hospital.
The Live Better With Boutique at Browns store is the UK’s first physical shop where patients can find products to help with the symptoms and side effects of living with cancer.
From breast prostheses, mastectomy bras and bespoke gift hampers, to books, wigs and bamboo headwear, it is a one-stop shop for those living with cancer.
The store, opened by patient wellness company Live Better With and hair loss specialists Browns More Hair Now, is located in the welcome village on the ground floor of the £160million cancer centre at Guy’s Hospital.
Tamara Rajah, a scientist and former healthcare consultant who founded Live Better With two years ago, said: “We hope to improve patient experience by helping make day-to-day life just a little bit better.
“The tumour itself and the treatments can cause countless symptoms and side effects such as itching, a constant metallic taste, a sore mouth, brain fog, nausea, hair loss and pain.
“When you’re living with these, it’s hard to have a normal home, family or work life.
“There are actually hundreds of products that can help relieve these symptoms and side effects but patients and families don’t know about them, or struggle to find them to purchase.
“I saw this situation persistently over my ten years working with patients, hospitals and healthcare professionals in the UK and the US, and with my personal experiences with family members with long-term conditions I had to do something about it.”
Browns More Hair Now is Britain’s longest-established, independent and family-owned wigmaker.
They are an NHS-approved wig supplier and professionally fit breast prostheses and mastectomy wear in their boutique in the cancer centre.
Kim Brown, managing director of Browns, added: “Cancer at some point has touched most of our lives and I am therefore delighted to be able to join forces with Tamara to provide a wonderful facility for patients and their carers, friends and family.”