NEW technology to reduce the chance of hair loss while undergoing cancer treatment has just arrived on the Sunshine Coast, with Noosa patients able to access this revolutionary service.
Available at the Sunshine Coast Haematology and Oncology Clinic in Buderim, the TGA approved scalp cooling treatment can help prevent hair loss due to certain chemotherapy treatments.
Leading Sunshine Coast oncologist Dr Hong Shue said it was common for people considering chemotherapy to ask whether they would lose their hair.
“Hair loss is widely recognised as one of the most distressing consequences of chemotherapy,” Dr Shue said.
Hair loss associated with chemotherapy treatments is believed to significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, their self-esteem and body image.
Clinical psychologist Dr Rosanne Middleton said research suggested the loss of hair (also known as alopecia) was psychologically damaging and could cause intense emotional suffering as well as lead to personal, social and work-related problems.
It is believed scalp cooling is an effective way of preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss and can protect the hair follicle from damage. For patients, this means the opportunity to regain some control and encourage a positive attitude towards treatment.
The scalp cooling system, with a success rate between 56 and 73 per cent, can be used with solid tumour cancers in gynaecology, colorectal, breast, prostate and lung cancers that are treated with commonly used chemotherapy drug regimens, as recommended by the treating oncologist.
CEO of Montserrat Day Hospitals Mr Ben Korst said the scalp cooling treatment was an important contribution to the cancer community.
“Our Sunshine Coast Clinic offers a comprehensive service, and we are committed to providing leading edge technology to support patient care,” he said.
