The use of scalp cooling or ‘cold caps’ has been shown to effectively reduce the incidence of hair loss for some cancer patients.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss or alopecia is commonly associated with cancer and chemotherapy. However, only some chemotherapy drugs* and specific combinations of chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss or hair thinning. Chemotherapy works by targeting all rapidly dividing cells in the body. As hair is the second fastest dividing cell, some chemotherapy drugs will affect hair cells, resulting in hair loss.
Who may benefit from scalp cooling?
Scalp cooling may be suitable for some patients receiving chemotherapy. You may wish to consider scalp cooling if:
- Hair preservation is important to you
- Your chemotherapy treatment is suitable for scalp cooling
- You would like to reduce the amount of hair loss experienced during treatment
- You understand that results vary between individuals
Successful scalp cooling depends on many factors and results will vary for everyone.
Research and studies have shown that scalp cooling can be effective across a wide range of chemotherapy regimens. Canopy patients with solid tumours receiving the following drugs may request to use the cool cap:
- Cyclophosphamide*
- Docetaxel*
- Doxorubicin*
- Paclitaxel*
- Epirubicin*
- The drug regimens AC, TC and FEC contain different combinations of the above drugs.
The cold cap does not work for everyone and is not suitable to use with all types of cancer. It cannot be used with any Haematological diseases including Myeloma, Leukaemia and Lymphomas.
Your Specialist or Specialist Nurse can advise whether scalp cooling is appropriate for your treatment plan and what results you can realistically expect.
How does scalp cooling Work?
Scalp cooling reduces the temperature of the scalp before, during, and after chemotherapy treatment. This reduces blood flow to the hair follicles and may decrease the amount of chemotherapy reaching the hair roots.
By helping protect the hair follicles, scalp cooling may reduce hair loss and improve hair retention during treatment. However, results vary depending on the individual and the chemotherapy regimen being used.
What results can I expect?
Scalp cooling can be effective in reducing hair loss for many patients, but it does not completely prevent hair loss for everyone. The success of treatment depends on factors such as:
- The type of chemotherapy medication
- Drug dosage
- Individual response to treatment
- Hair type and thickness
Some patients experience minimal hair loss, while others may still experience significant thinning despite scalp cooling.
What does scalp cooling feel like?
Many people find the cap feels very cold during the first 10–15 minutes. Most patients become accustomed to the sensation as treatment continues.
The scalp cooling cap is worn:
- Before chemotherapy
- During chemotherapy
- For a period after chemotherapy has finished
Our team will guide you through the process and provide support throughout your treatment.
What does it cost and will my medical insurance cover the costs?
Each cooling treatment will cost $500. You will need to check your individual medical insurance policy to see if you have cover. Success rates vary from patient to patient for many different reasons.
Talk to your Specialist or Specialist Nurse to find out if the Scalp Cooling Cap is right for you.
FAQs
No. Only some chemotherapy drugs and treatment combinations cause hair loss or hair thinning.
Hair loss typically begins a few weeks after treatment starts, although this varies from person to person.
Not always. Scalp cooling can reduce hair loss for many patients, but results vary and complete hair preservation cannot be guaranteed.
No. Scalp cooling is not suitable for all cancer types and cannot be used for haematological cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Most people experience a cold sensation when the cap is first applied. This usually becomes more tolerable as treatment continues.
Scalp cooling treatments cost $500 per treatment session. Patients should check with their medical insurer to determine if any cover is available.