AHN Cancer Institute certified medical assistant and cosmetologist Renee Swidzinski shows Kathi Elder of Butler a makeup technique at Friday's workshop for cancer patients.

When a woman of any age loses their hair, lashes and brows to cancer treatment, feelings of unattractiveness can naturally follow the apprehension and side effects of that treatment.

But a program at Allegheny Health Network's Butler Cancer Institute in the Pullman Business Park on Friday proved that cancer and beauty are not mutually exclusive.

The facility's first Care and Cosmetics class saw Renee Swidzinski, a certified cosmetologist who is also a medical assistant at the center, teach four women how to best utilize makeup to look their best during treatment.

Pat Julkowski, the owner of Creative Hair Solutions in Allison Park, also was on hand to demonstrate the various options for women who have lost most or all of their hair to cancer treatment.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appeared in Friday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read more about the program as well as quotes from the woman who took part in the event.