Chemotherapy induced alopecia: Exploring mental health impacts and prevention with scalp cooling
Work Type
Poster
Abstract
A psychologically devastating side effect of chemotherapy treatments is hair loss or chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). It isassociated with increased psychosocial stress with respect to body image, self-esteem, and sexuality. Some refuse treatment because of it.
Although transient,CIA shows to have the most negative impact on quality of life and is the most feared chemotherapy side effect.
Top priority to treat the malignancy, but side effects and symptoms should be addressed as mental health can pose negative impacts on physical health.
Pathophysiology: chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including the hair matrix cells (anagen [growth] phase).
No proven therapy to fully prevent CIA, however scalp cooling, also called scalp hypothermia or cold capping, is revealing effective results. There are manual and automated scalp cooling (ASC) systems available.
Scalp cooling vasoconstricts blood vessels leading to decreased follicle cell metabolic rate and drug uptake.
Publication Date
5-17-2026
Citation Information
Miesner, Olivia, "Chemotherapy induced alopecia: Exploring mental health impacts and prevention with scalp cooling" (2026). Student Works Physician Assistant. 22.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/stu_pa/22
