Hair loss and chemotherapy

The drugs used in cancer chemotherapy work by attacking rapidly dividing cancer cells. Unfortunately they also damage healthy dividing cells, such as those producing hair from the follicle during its growth phase.

This can be countered by using a technique known as "scalp cooling" which constricts the blood vessels in the scalp. This means that less of the anti-cancer drug is carried through the bloodstream in the direction of the hair follicles.

Clinical trials suggest that scalp cooling gives reasonable hair preservation in about half of patients, although the outcome depends upon the actual drugs used in the chemotherapy programme.

Hair loss can be a big issue for cancer patients. Sometimes it seems like the last straw in a gruelling treatment schedule, and it also acts as a signal telling everyone you're ill. If you're concerned, ask your specialist whether your treatment unit has a scalp cooling system that can be used while the chemotherapy is being delivered.