Hair loss is a common side effect experienced by individuals undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, often causing distress and anxiety, particularly among women. This occurs because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including those in hair follicles responsible for hair growth. To address this issue, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has launched cold cap services.
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Cold caps are helmet-like devices filled with cold fluid that patients wear before, during, and after their chemotherapy sessions. These caps cool the scalp, reducing blood flow to the hair follicles and limiting the amount of chemotherapy medication reaching these cells. By doing so, the chances of hair loss are significantly reduced. While the effectiveness of cold caps varies from person to person, studies have shown that they can provide an average 50% chance of retaining 50% or more of one’s hair.
Cold caps have demonstrated higher success rates in patients with breast cancer and colon cancer, enabling most individuals to preserve at least half of their hair. However, they may be less effective for blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia, as the chemotherapy medications used are often stronger. Consulting with expert oncologists at AKUH can help determine if cold cap therapy is suitable for reducing hair loss in specific cases.
By offering cold cap services, AKUH aims to provide cancer patients with a valuable solution to minimize the distressing experience of chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
