Patients at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre now have the opportunity to try a new service to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy.
The cancer centre now has a Pazman Scalp Cooling System also known as a 'cold cap'. The cold helps to slow down internal processes making it harder for the chemotherapy to kill the hair follicle cells.
“Chemotherapy-induced alopecia or hair loss during treatment can be an incredibly challenging and devastating side effect of chemotherapy for our patients,” said Nicole Sbrocca, director of the cancer program, at Windsor Regional Hospital.
The Paxman scalp cooling system consists of a compact refrigeration system unit circulating coolant through specially designed single-patient-use cooling caps, bringing the scalp temperature down to approximately 18 degrees Celsius.
“I am currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments every 3 weeks and I’ve had such a positive experience with the cooling cap,” says Leah R, a patient of the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. “I have been feeling anxious about my appearance and the cooling cap has given me the extra boost of confidence that I needed during this stressful time.”
Health Canada has approved the treatment.
There are costs for the treatment however the Windsor Cancer Foundation has funding available for patients with financial need.
“Patient dignity is an important aspect of health and well-being, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to support initiatives like these,” says Houida Kassem, executive director of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation.