Headwear Etc Blog

Hair loss can be a devastating side effect of chemotherapy. It is often the most dreaded result of chemotherapy and can have a strong emotional impact on the patient.
Why Does Hair Loss Occur During Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy drugs work by eliminating cancer cells that rapidly multiply. There are other cells in the body, like hair follicle cells, that multiply just as quickly. Unfortunately, chemotherapy drugs may not be able to discern the two, attacking healthy cells, thus causing hair loss.
Can Hair Loss Be Prevented During Chemotherapy?
Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy. There are a few methods that are currently being studied, such as scalp cooling and minoxidil (Rogaine).

Scalp cooling is thought to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy sessions by cooling the temperature of the scalp. Cooling is achieved by wearing a cooling cap, ice packs, or other cooling methods. Some scalp cooling studies have found some success, however, many patients found the caps gave them headaches and were uncomfortable.

Some patients turn to products like minoxidil to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss, but find little success. Minoxidil has been found to have little effect on preventing hair loss during chemotherapy.
Preparing to Lose Your Hair to Chemotherapy

* Buy a wig. Purchasing a wig before hair loss is ideal because it allows you to choose a wig that matches your hair color best, and you will have it on hand right when hair loss starts. You may want to consider buying at least two wigs, so one can be worn while another is being washed or styled.

* Cut hair short. Many men and women opt to cut hair short or shave their heads before hair starts to fall out. It is much less shocking to have short clumps of hair fall out in the shower or in your hands than a handful of long strands. Plus, hair often comes out in uneven patches, and short hair can help temporarily mask this.

* Go hat shopping. Even if you buy a wig, you will need some type of head covering for when you are not wearing a wig, especially in cold weather. Your scalp may be sensitive when not covered, not to mention cold. Scarves and hats also provide excellent protection from the sun and wind.

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Screening and Diagnosis
I don’t have health insurance and can’t afford the cost of an annual mammogram. What should I do?

There are both national and local programs that provide free or low-cost mammograms to women who are low-income or uninsured. Below is a list of some of the programs that you might qualify for:

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides mammography services for women who are low-income or uninsured through its National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Learn more about their program and find a mammography provider in your area.

Your Local Susan G. Komen Foundation Affiliate
Komen affiliates raise money to help uninsured and low-income women in their area obtain breast health services. Locate your nearest affiliate.

Your Local Planned Parenthood Clinic
Planned Parenthood does not provide mammography services, but your local clinic can help you find a program in your area that provides free or low-cost mammography services. Find the Planned Parenthood Clinic nearest you.

YWCA Encore Plus Programs
The YWCA offers a national program called Encore Plus that provides mammography screening. Services are provided on a sliding scale. Not all local YWCAs have this program. To find out if yours does, call 1-800-953-7587.
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