Determination of the Factors Affecting the Frequency of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia and Methods of Coping with Alopecia

The study, conducted with 240 patients in Istanbul, found that 85.7% of women undergoing chemotherapy experienced alopecia, with higher rates in patients with genitourinary system (92.0%) and breast cancer (88.5%). Alopecia was more common in patients receiving chemotherapy for less than a year (82.5%) and less common in Stage IV cancer patients (69.7%). Family history of breast cancer influenced the stage at diagnosis and the method of lump detection. Most patients (61.0%) coped with alopecia by using wigs or bonnets, with higher usage among more educated women. No significant differences were found based on age, marital status, occupation, residence, income, or social security.