Making Cancer Treatment More Manageable

This article first appeared in the 2024 Annual Update >

Scalp Cooling Helps Reduce Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

Undergoing chemotherapy is both physically and emotionally challenging for cancer patients. Side effects of treatment can include hair loss, which often serves as a visible reminder of cancer while impacting a patient’s sense of self.

Vail Health Shaw Cancer Center is now offering cooling therapy, a solution to promote hair retention while undergoing chemotherapy, to support patients in minimizing the external visibility of their cancer diagnosis.

Provided in conjunction with specific chemotherapy drugs known to cause hair loss, scalp cooling caps help protect the hair follicles during infusion. By cooling the scalp, the treatment cap induces vasoconstriction, which reduces the amount of chemotherapy that reaches the hair follicles. This process can significantly minimize hair loss, allowing patients to retain their hair and maintain a sense of normalcy during their treatment journey.  

Most insurance companies now classify scalp cooling as medically necessary and offer coverage for the treatment. However, for those with limited or no insurance coverage, the Vail Health Foundation strives to make this treatment accessible to all, thanks to generous donations from the Vail Health Volunteer Corps and community supporters.  

It’s just one more way we can help patients face cancer with dignity and resilience.