Scalp Cooling Treatment Now Available at Sanford Health Bismarck
Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is widely recognized as the most feared side effect associated with some cancer treatments. It is often the first question that people ask when they learn they will require chemotherapy, “Will I lose my hair?” Many patients rank hair loss as the most feared and traumatic side effect of their cancer treatment, it can lead to social isolation and the psychological effect is high often having a dramatic impact on self-esteem.
Paxman Scalp Cooling empowers patients to feel a greater sense of control. That is why, here at the Sanford Cancer Center, we are delighted to offer the option of this treatment – also known as ‘cold cap’ – to help reduce hair loss for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. “Cancer treatments can have a devastating impact on patients. We wanted to do more for our patients to provide hope and comfort during their journey. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Sanford Health Foundation was able to fund the Paxman Scalp Cooling Cap, offering a way to help patients preserve their sense of self,” stated Sara Haugen, Vice President, Sanford Health Foundation.
Scalp cooling works by limiting the damage to your hair follicles caused by chemotherapy drugs administered during cancer treatment. Scalp cooling is the only clinically proven method to manage hair loss during chemotherapy through both hair retention and then later, faster hair regrowth for patients going through cancer treatment. The treatment is safe and relatively easy to tolerate. The most common side effect is a minor headache caused by the cooling. Research shows that scalp cooling does not affect cancer treatment and for patients, this means the opportunity to regain some control, maintain normalcy and privacy, and encourage a positive attitude toward their illness and treatment.
The success rate for Scalp Cooling is up to 70% for some chemotherapy regimens. It is lower for other regimens, but there is evidence[1] that scalp cooling encourages faster, healthier and stronger regrowth than would occur without scalp cooling. “One of the big reasons I want to save my hair is so that my teenage daughter does not have to see my sickness. I also meet with middle schoolers and high schoolers daily for my job and I want them to continue to see me for who I am and don’t want them to be reminded of past traumas,” said Debbie, a patient currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Trisha James, RN, Sanford Oncology says, “Body image is a real struggle not only for the patient, but also for their family and friends. I am so excited to see the good that comes from being able to offer Paxman to patients. We are hoping to help them take back some control, to change how they feel when looking in the mirror, and to help their family and friends with a little bit more normalcy when cancer has tried to take everything away.”
Sanford has two Paxman Scalp Cooling machines available. Patients are provided with a cap kit before they begin treatment and the kit contains everything they need to scalp cool. Financial assistance may be available as this is not covered by insurance.