Hair loss as a side effect of cancer is very common and known to most of us. It is a result of damage caused to the cells responsible for hair growth. There is loss of hair from face, arms, head, underarms and pubic area.

Hair loss as a side effect of cancer therapy varies from person to person. You might lose hair partially or completely. The loss hair regrows after some time with a different hair texture.

It affects the physical and emotional health of a person. The change in appearance can makes the person self-conscious

Causes of hair loss in cancer

There are certain cancer treatment that causes hair loss. Your healthcare provider will inform you if the treatment plan will cause hair loss.

• Chemotherapy causes hair loss but not all. Some of the chemotherapy such as altretamine, docetaxel, idarubicin, fluorouracil, etc causes hair loss.
• Radiation therapy affects hair loss on the body part where radiation is applied.
• Some of the targeted therapy affects the hair texture.
• Hormone therapy in cancer treatment can cause partial hair loss.

What to expect while undergoing cancer treatment

Hair loss occurs 2-4 weeks after starting the treatment. The hair may fall gradually or in lumps. The hair fall is visible on the pillow, comb and easily comes out while moving fingers through the hair.

Patient undergoing treatment might lose hair completely, partially or experience thinning of hair. All depends upon the treatment approach.

Ways to manage hair loss

Hair loss affects the image and quality of life. It is challenging for a cancer patient to cope up with stress of hair loss before, during and post treatment. However, every individual suffering from cancer have their way to cope up with hair loss.

Following tips will help in managing hair loss related to cancer.

• Sharing your emotions and feelings with the near ones is comforting. Connecting to people going through same problem is helpful.
• One can always cut the hair. This will not reflect thinning of hair and hair looks full.
• Some people completely shave their head and some cover their head with scarf or hat.
• Scalp cooling caps may help prevent hair fall. It works by limiting the chemotherapy reach the scalp and hair follicles.
• It is perfectly normal to feel distressed with hair loss as a side effect. Joining a support group can help a lot to cope with the situation.

Conclusion

Hair loss is the most common side effect of cancer treatment. However, there are various ways to manage it. Look for all the options and choose what is suitable for you.

About Mozocare

Mozocare is a medical access platform for hospitals and clinics to assist patients to access the best medical care at affordable prices. It offers medical information, medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, laboratory consumables, and other allied services.

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