Scalpcooler helps breast cancer victims to keep hair

NELSON: Losing hair may no longer be a fear for breast cancer patients as a pilot programme begins in Nelson testing new technology.

The Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand (BCFNZ) is funding a pilot programme of a scalpcooling machine that will help determine the number of women who keep more than half their hair and do not require a wig after chemotherapy.

It will also determine the number of women who keep more than half their hair and do not require a wig.

Plus it will establish how much extra clinic time is needed for the process, and keep tabs on whether anyone drops out, and if so, why.

The foundation is now inviting breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to take part in the trial which is being led by consultant medical oncologist Dr Kate Gregory.

Dr Gregory said the hair loss was the side effect of chemotherapy that patients ‘‘dreaded most’’.

‘‘Scalpcooling has been offered internationally for many years. Making the scalp cold means that the blood vessels constrict,’’ limiting the amount of bloodborne chemotherapy compounds that reach hair follicles.

‘‘Recent studies have shown that at least 50% of women retained their hair and didn’t need to use a wig.’’

Natasha Holland, a breast cancer patient who recently finished chemotherapy, agreed: ‘‘I’d have loved to have had the opportunity to keep my hair.’’

BCFNZ chief executive Evangelia Henderson said the pilot programme was made possible thanks to the organisation’s ‘‘generous donors’’.

‘‘Breast cancer is a heartless disease that affects thousands of Kiwis every year.

‘‘If we can help minimise patients’ hair loss by providing this machine, we’ll have gone some way toward reducing their distress and improving their quality of life.’’

The new scalpcooling machine cost the Breast Cancer Foundation $67,500.

A specialist nurse is also being paid to operate the machine for its first six months. — NZME