HCG Cancer Centre becomes first in Gujarat to offer Scalp Cooling Cap for prevention of hair loss during chemotherapy

Ahmedabad: City based HCG Cancer Centre today claimed it has become the first cancer centre in Gujarat to introduce scalp cooling cap.

For cancer patients, especially women, one of the most painful experiences of undergoing chemotherapy is losing one’s hair. However, scalp cooling helps in preventing hair loss among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The technology encourages patients to have a positive outlook during chemotherapy treatment, and also helps in maintaining their privacy.

“We are the only cancer centre in the state to provide this technology approved by the US FDA to our patients,” Dr Ashish Kaushal, Head of Medical Oncology at HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, told media-persons on the occasion of World Cancer Day on Tuesday.

Explaining how the scalp cooling therapy works, Dr Manasi Shah, Medical Oncologist at HCG Cancer Centre said, “Chemotherapy targets fast-dividing cells in the body. Hair is the second fastest dividing cell and hence chemo drugs cause hair loss. The scalp cooling therapy causes blood vessels in the scalp to shrink, which reduces the amount of chemo that reaches the hair follicle cells, and thus protects them during and after chemotherapy.”

Scalp cooling can be used for patients with all solid tumour cancers that are treated with chemotherapy drugs. However, it is not used for patients with blood cancers and those undergoing bone marrow transplant.

Dr Bharat Gadhavi, Regional Director (Gujarat & Rajasthan region) of HCG Group said “This technology empowers women to undertake chemotherapy without worrying about their beauty. It can also add new confidence in the fight against cancer.”

World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 each year to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. Its primary goal is to significantly reduce illness and deaths caused by cancer. It is an opportunity to rally the international community to end the injustice of preventable suffering from cancer. The day is observed by the United Nations.

External links:

Cold Caps During Chemo: Pros & Cons