Oncologist explains hair loss during cancer treatment

Hair loss on the head during chemotherapy is a common problem faced by cancer patients. Because of this, some patients may even interrupt the course of treatment. Especially painful perceive such a condition women suffering from cancer. Why this happens and whether it is possible to avoid hair loss in the process of treatment, "Izvestia" February 11 told "SM-Clinica" oncologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Anna Alyasova.

According to her, the loss of hair on the head, even if temporary, can be an emotional ordeal. When for some reason the appearance changes dramatically, a person experiences severe stress.

The main reason for the loss lies in the specific action of chemotherapy drugs.

"The task of chemotherapy is to suppress the active division of cancer cells. However, there are also healthy cells in the body with a high rate of renewal, including hair follicle cells. Under the influence of cytostatics (chemopreventive drugs), their division slows down or stops completely, causing the hair to thin and may completely fall out. The combination of two or more drugs causes alopecia more often than the use of a single drug. It is important to realize that not all chemopreparations cause complete baldness," said Alyasova.

The oncologist added that most often the first signs of hair loss appear 2-3 weeks after the start of the course of chemotherapy. At first hair becomes weaker and brittle, sometimes due to hypersensitivity to the drug begins to peel skin, patients may experience pain when touching the scalp. Then hair loss becomes intense. Some patients experience hair loss not only on the head, but also on the face, including eyebrows and eyelashes.

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Full recovery of hair follicles on the head usually takes 4-8 months after the completion of the therapeutic course, eyebrows and eyelashes - early, after one or two months. However, warned Aliasova, cancer patients should be prepared for any surprises. The rehabilitation period, as well as the treatment itself - a big stress for the body, and all the physiological changes in one way or another can affect the state of the hair. For example, patients notice changes in the structure of the hair, mostly positive - they grow back thick and healthy. Some hair becomes more or, on the contrary, less wavy, may even change their pigment color.

In any case, the problem of hair loss, from which many people suffer, is not forever, emphasized the professor. Especially since oncologists have additional resources to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. One of them is the use of a cold helmet. During chemotherapy, doctors can additionally give the patient a procedure called hypothermia.

"This is the cooling of the scalp with the help of a special "cap" - a coldo helmet. The procedure is started 30 minutes before the drugs are administered, so that the scalp has time to cool well by the time the cytostatics enter the body. Dosed reduction of blood flow to the hair follicles and slowing metabolism - metabolism - can reduce the toxic effects of cytostatics and their entry into the cells of the scalp, and as a result, the hair will recover faster after the course of treatment. This procedure reduces the risk of hair loss by almost 90%," - summarized Alyasova.

Earlier, on February 4, it was reported that only half of the surveyed Russians are sure that they would be able to find funds for paid treatment and rehabilitation in case a loved one faced oncology. Almost every sixth (17.2%) would give all their savings to save a loved one, according to the results of a survey by the insurance company Rosgosstrakh.