Chemotherapy uses powerful medical drugs that attack the rapidly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, it also attacks other healthy growing cells that include cells in the hair roots as well. This causes hair loss all over the body, including the scalp. The level of hair loss depends on the type, dose, and strength of the drugs used, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Generally, we might not think about the importance of hair until we face losing it. In cancer, while undergoing chemotherapy, the chance of hair loss is very real. Hair loss is one of the side effects for both men and women, where they fear most after being diagnosed with cancer. Some may fear this side effect more than other chemotherapy complications. Talking to the cancer care team about these concerns and preparing for the possibility of hair loss may help the patient to cope with this problematic side effect of treatment.
After two to four weeks of the commencing of the treatment, usually, hair begins falling out. It could fall out gradually or very quickly in clumps. The patient will notice accumulations of loose hair on the pillow, in the hairbrush or comb, or the sink or shower drain. The scalp may start to feel tender. The hair loss will continue throughout the treatment and up to a few weeks afterward. Every glimpse caught in the mirror, and the changed appearance reminds the patient of the illness. Just like Chemotherapy , radiation therapy also can cause hair loss. Radiation therapy also attacks quickly growing cells in the body, but unlike chemotherapy, it affects only the specific area where treatment is concentrated.
Preventing hair loss:
At Kingsway Hospitals, we use the Paxman Cooling System, which can prevent hair loss during the chemotherapy, entirely or to an extent depending on its dosage. Losing hair can be one of the scariest parts of facing chemotherapy, but Scalp cooling can help to retain hair. During a time when it can feel like everything is out of your control, scalp cooling can help to keep the patient feeling more like themselves. This process is all about being an individual, not a patient. Our team is always ready to guide and support the patients from the beginning to the end of the process. Paxman Cooling System is a global leader in scalp cooling, which is on an ambitious and exciting journey to change the face of cancer. It has been pioneering scalp cooling technology worldwide for over 20 years. The cold cap system is clinically proven, cost-effective, and widely embraced by doctors, nurses, and patients. At Kingsway Hospitals, we know that together we can make a difference.