You might have come across people with cancer who have lost hair and majority people assume that cancer is the one that causes hair loss. But that is not the case, people undergoing cancer treatment usually experience hair loss. Let’s explore more on this topic and the relation between cancer and hair loss.
What is the relation between cancer and hair loss?
Hair loss can be a sign of various health conditions, such as thyroid problems, severe vitamin deficiencies, syphilis, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
But does cancer lead to hair loss? And if so, which types of cancer cause it?
While cancer itself rarely causes hair loss, it is possible in some cases. Skin-related cancers can sometimes impact hair follicles, leading to hair loss for cancer patients. For instance, in rare cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma, if the cancer spreads to the skin, it may cause hair loss for cancer patients.
In most cases, hair loss from these conditions improves once the illness is treated, although scarring may occasionally result in permanent hair loss for cancer patients. If you're experiencing hair loss, don't worry—it's not automatically a sign of cancer. Hair loss can happen for many reasons, including stress, hormonal changes, medications, or autoimmune conditions. Reach out to the best chemotherapy hospital in Coimbatore to seek advanced cancer treatment.
What is the common reason for hair loss during cancer treatment?
Most hair loss during cancer treatment is due to chemotherapy, as it targets fast-growing cells, including hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. Radiotherapy can also cause hair loss for cancer patients, especially when used to treat cancers in the head and neck area, depending on where the radiation is applied.
Can all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss?
Not all chemotherapy drugs are responsible for hair loss. You can discuss with your doctor for a better understanding on the cancer treatment plan.
What can cause hair loss during chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to target and destroy fast-growing cancer cells. However, these medicines also affect other fast-growing cells in your body, like the ones in your hair roots.
Chemotherapy can cause hair loss across your entire body, not just on your scalp. You may lose hair from your eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, pubic area, and other parts as well. Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely to cause hair loss than others, and the amount you lose can vary from mild thinning to complete hair loss for cancer patients, depending on the dose.
When does hair loss begin with chemotherapy?
Hair typically starts to fall out about 2 to 4 weeks after beginning treatment.
It may fall out in clumps or gradually over time. You might see hair on your pillow, in your brush or comb, or in the sink or shower drain. Your scalp could also feel sensitive.
Hair loss for cancer patients usually continues throughout treatment and for a few weeks afterward. How much your hair thins or whether you become completely bald depends on the treatment you're receiving. It's a good idea to discuss the specific chemotherapy medicines you'll be taking with your healthcare team.
How long does hair grow back after chemotherapy?
It may take a few weeks after treatment for your hair to start growing again. You can expect new hair growth about 3 to 6 months after therapy for cancer ends. When your hair does grow back, it might look a little different than before, but this change is usually temporary. Your new hair may be colored or have a different texture. It could be curlier than before, and it might be gray at first until the cells that give your hair its color start functioning again.
How can you prevent hair loss with chemotherapy?
Scalp cooling can help reduce hair loss from chemotherapy by limiting the amount of chemo that reaches your hair follicles. However, it doesn’t work with all chemotherapy drugs, and its effectiveness can vary.
To use scalp cooling, you’ll need to keep your head cool before, during, and after treatment. There are two approaches to this:
Cold cap: a cap filled with cold gel
Refrigerated cooling system: a system that pumps chilled liquid through a cap
What are the tips to follow while experiencing hair loss during chemotherapy?
Use a mild shampoo and conditioner to reduce hair breakage when combing. Steer clear of harsh chemical products that can cause your scalp to become parched. Stay away from shampoos and conditioners with strong scents, alcohol, or salicylic acid.
Avoid using or sleeping in hair curlers, as they can put extra stress on your hair, causing it to fall out faster. It's also best to avoid coloring, bleaching, or perming your hair right now, as these processes can weaken it and speed up hair loss.
Think about getting a shorter haircut. It's easier to manage under a wig, and shorter hair can appear thicker and fuller since it doesn't lay as flat. This might also make hair loss feel less distressing.
Some people prefer to shave their head once the hair starts falling out.
Important Takeaway:
We understand that losing your hair can be difficult, especially while going through the challenge of cancer treatment. Knowing more about hair loss related to cancer from the best oncology doctors in Coimbatore can help you explore your options and set realistic expectations during your treatment.