Identifying the Supportive Care Needs of Men and Women Affected by Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: A Systematic Review

July 2020 in “ Journal of cancer survivorship ”

Catherine Paterson, Maria Kozlovskaia, Murray Turner, Karen Strickland, Cara Roberts, Rebekah Ogilvie, Ganesalingam Pranavan, Paul Craft

chemotherapy-induced alopecia CIA psychological well-being quality of life body image supportive care needs oncology professionals chemotherapy hair loss cancer patient hair loss

TLDR People undergoing chemotherapy need better support and information to cope with hair loss.

The systematic review evaluated 27 publications to identify the unmet supportive care needs of men and women affected by chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). Both qualitative and quantitative studies revealed that CIA significantly impacted psychological well-being, quality of life, and body image, causing feelings of vulnerability and visibility as a "cancer patient." The review highlighted that many patients were unprepared for alopecia due to insufficient information and resources, leading to a range of unmet supportive care needs. The findings emphasized the necessity for tailored interventions and support to optimize psychological and physical well-being, urging oncology professionals to incorporate these insights into their consultations for effective, person-centered care.

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research Alopecia in Breast Cancer

1 citations , February 2018 in “Journal of Nursing UFPE on line”

Hair loss during breast cancer treatment affects each woman differently, influenced by her environment and family.

research A Clinical and Biological Guide for Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia and Its Prevention

38 citations , September 2017 in “Oncologist”

Scalp cooling can help prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss with a 50-90% success rate and is safe for patients.

research Madarosis: A Qualitative Study to Assess Perceptions and Experience of Australian Patients with Early Breast Cancer Treated with Taxane-Based Chemotherapy

11 citations , August 2017 in “Supportive care in cancer”

Madarosis (eyebrow and eyelash loss) significantly affects quality of life for breast cancer patients on taxane-based chemotherapy.

research Efficacy of Interventions for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

110 citations , August 2014 in “International journal of cancer”

Scalp cooling significantly reduces chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

research Chemotherapy-Induced Dermatological Toxicity: Frequencies and Impact on Quality of Life in Women’s Cancers. Results of a Prospective Study

76 citations , August 2007 in “Supportive care in cancer”

Chemotherapy often causes skin, nail, and hair side effects, significantly impacting quality of life.

research Hair and Cancer Chemotherapy: Consequences and Nursing Care - A Literature Study

159 citations , September 2001 in “European Journal of Cancer Care”

Chemotherapy-induced hair loss significantly affects patients' well-being, and nurses are key in helping them cope, but more research is needed to find effective treatments.