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  • Undergoing treatment for cancer is difficult in itself, but hair loss can be another unwanted side effect of chemotherapy treatment. While this result can be terrible to deal with, hair loss is a result of the chemicals used to target cancer cells, and hair usually regrows after treatment is over.

    Chemotherapy

    Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment. It involves the use of powerful drugs that target growing cells, such as the cells involved in cancer growth.

    Chemotherapy's Role in Hair Loss

    Since chemotherapy works on stopping cell growth--especially in cells that grow rapidly--it often targets the cells that are responsible for hair growth. That is why hair loss is often experienced.

    Hair Loss

    While you may consider the hair loss associated with chemotherapy to be the hair on your head, it can also affect the hair growth in other areas, such as legs, underarms, pubic area, and even eyelashes. Hair loss can occur both over time and very rapidly.

    Coping

    While hair loss during chemotherapy treatment can be difficult to cope with, there are options to help you. Some patients opt to shave their head; this can help prevent some of the embarrassment and irritation involved with hair loss. Wigs or head coverings are often used.

    Additional Information

    The type, amount and frequency of medication and treatments will determine whether hair loss is likely; not all courses of chemotherapy result in hair loss. Hair will usually grow back after chemotherapy treatment is complete. Radiation therapy--another form of cancer treatment--can also result in hair loss.

    Source:

    Mayo Clinic: Chemotherapy and Hair Loss

    Breastcancer.org: Hair Loss

    Chemocare.com: Hair Loss and Chemotherapy

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