Wimmera Cancer Centre offers cold cap treatment to support patients

A new scalp cooling system that reduces chemotherapy-induced hair loss is now available at Wimmera Cancer Centre. 

Scalp cooling or ‘cold capping’ is proven to be an effective way of combating chemotherapy-induced hair loss and can result in a high level of retention or completely preserve the hair. 

Cancer Centre Manager Carmel O’Kane said patients who requested the cold cap treatment in the past, had to travel to Ballarat because it was the nearest oncology clinic to provide the service. 

“It’s going to be a great comfort to many patients knowing they can get the cold cap treatment in Horsham now and it’s thanks to the generosity of community donations that we were able to purchase the system,” Ms O’Kane said. 

“We have two oncology nurses who are trained to use the system, and the device can be used by two patients at the same time so we are confident we will be able to cover all requests for its use.” 

Ms O’Kane said hair loss was a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment. 

“Chemotherapy works by targeting all rapidly dividing cells in the body and hair is the second fastest dividing cell which is why many chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. 

“Hair damage caused by chemotherapy can be alleviated by scalp cooling. It works by reducing the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during and after chemotherapy. 

“This in turn reduces the blood flow to the hair follicles which may prevent or minimise the hair loss. 

“Scalp cooling is not always effective though. It can depend on factors like the specific chemotherapy drugs and dosage and the patient’s hair type.” 

Patients having chemotherapy can request the cold capping by discussing it with their oncologist. 

Grampians Health Chief Operating Officer Ben Kelly said his organisation’s number one objective from day one of the merger was to provide services closer to home. 

“The Wimmera Cancer Centre is a fantastic service that has saved thousands of hours in travel and time for its patients,” Mr Kelly said. 

“Now there will be even more patients who will feel a more positive attitude toward their treatment because of the responsive care they can now access locally.”