Hair LossIvy Phillips has been fighting cancer off-and-on for nearly a decade.“So, I am on one pill a day, and a 30-minute infusion that I do every other week; and this will continueindefinitely” - Ivy, PatientOver the years, Ivy has dealt with a number of side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and pain but she says one hasbeen especially tough to handle:“For me, personally, losing my hair was extremely traumatic.” - Ivy, PatientHair loss is a side effect of many forms of cancer treatment. But it is most commonly associated withchemotherapy.That’s because chemo medications cannot tell the difference between the rapidly-dividing cells that cause cancerand other cells that divide quickly – but are healthy and normal such as those in your hair follicles.“Hair loss is difficult for patients, because it is clearly the most visible sign that you're getting cancer treatment.”- Stephanie Blank, MD, Oncologist“I always felt like - if I felt sick but I looked normal, I could blend in. But if I felt sick and looked sick, it was, like,even worse – because I didn't have any hair. I didn't have any eyebrows, and I didn't have any eyelashes.” - Ivy,Patient“Stacy, Christy, Marianne and I….” – Miranda, PatientSome treatments can cause you to lose most - or all - of your body hair.Others affect only the hair on your head. And some treatments do not affect your hair….. at all.“If you're on a chemotherapy that you would expect to cause hair loss and you haven't lost your hair yet, itdoesn't mean the chemo is not working.” - Stephanie Blank, MD, OncologistIf your treatment is going to cause hair loss, you will likely see the first signs about two weeks in.You may find a few hairs on your pillow, or in the shower drain.Shortly after, your hair will likely start coming out in clumps.This can be disconcerting at first, so you may want to talk to your care team about it.Page 1 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1002898 EN HairLoss.pdf© The Wellness NetworkHair Loss“Sometimes people don't want to mention that it is upsetting to them - because they're dealing with cancer,and hair loss might seem minor in comparison to cancer. But it is a real side effect, and you're allowed to notwant to lose your hair.” - Stephanie Blank, MD, OncologistWearing a wig is one of the most common ways to deal with hair loss.If possible, buy your wig before you start treatment so you can match your natural hair color and style as closely aspossible...Other options include: bandanas, scarves, and head wraps – -as well as hair nets - wearing one overnight may helpstop hair from coming out in clumps.As Ivy did, you can also cut you hair very short or shave your scalp.“I was just like, let me get in front of the problem. Let me shave it, you know, down.” - Ivy, PatientHair loss cannot be prevented. But a device called a cooling cap, which is available at some cancer centers, mayreduce it.It makes the scalp ice-cold, which constricts the blood vessels underneath.“That restricts blood flow to the scalp and therefore less chemotherapy is delivered to the scalp in hopes ofsparing the hair follicles.” - Stephanie Blank, MD, OncologistBut the treatment can have side effects. So talk to your provider about the pros and cons.Another way to deal with hair loss is to look beyond it.A program known as “look good, feel better” helps women do that by offering beauty tips to help them look theirbest.“Women are taught to do their make up a little differently so as to enhance their features -maybe to have adifferent feature that is as prominent as a head of hair. Sometimes women use different make up, or weardifferent earrings. I had a patient who Henna'd her head, there's different things that people can do.” Stephanie Blank, MD, OncologistHowever you handle it, keep in mind that hair loss is nothing to be ashamed of and it’s only temporary.Page 2 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1002898 EN HairLoss.pdf© The Wellness NetworkHair Loss“Hair loss is difficult – but remember why you're going through it: you're going through it to treat somethingthat's dangerous, so it is something that you are willing to go through, to treat your cancer.” - Stephanie Blank,MD, Oncologist“I got through it. I got through it. It wasn’t easy – but I got through it.” - Ivy, PatientPage 3 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1002898 EN HairLoss.pdf© The Wellness Network
