Scalp cooling pioneer Paxman will run a masterclass discussing the importance of scalp cooling to patients and examine the science behind it.
Scalp Cooling
The session, which is being held by UKONS (UK Oncology Nursing Society), is designed to offer clinical staff advanced training in scalp cooling and will be held at Guy’s Hospital, London on 17th February 2017.
Paxman will explore the facts and myths about the treatment and look at the importance of the cap fitting. There will also be a number of patient and clinical ‘pioneers’ at the event to talk about their personal experiences with Paxman also providing clinical updates.
Hair loss is one of the most distressing cancer chemotherapy side effects. Whilst scalp cooling is used in over 90% of NHS hospitals, the public’s awareness of the treatment is still relatively low. It’s estimated that only 10% of the general public know about scalp cooling.
Chemotherapy damages hair as it targets all rapidly dividing cells in the body. Hair is the second fasted dividing cell and is therefore susceptible to chemotherapy treatment.
Scalp cooling can help alleviate the damage to hair follicles by reducing the temperature of the scalp immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy. This helps reduce the blood flow to hair follicles, which may prevent or minimise hair loss.
Claire Paxman, sales & training manager at Paxman, said: “Scalp cooling is an option for people going through chemotherapy, but sadly there are so many people that have never heard of it. Others are put off from it because they have been given the wrong misconceptions of what it is actually like.”
“We want to change this and are working hard to raise awareness. That’s why it’s so important that clinical staff are armed with the facts and they understand what scalp cooling is and how it works.”
Paxman is also working with UK hospitals to deliver an in-depth clinical training programme to ensure that more healthcare professionals are trained on all aspects of the treatment including clinical data, hair care, troubleshooting and best practice assistance.
Claire added: “It’s our aim that the training will not only help each clinician personally in their role but it will also allow them to become a ‘clinical pioneer’ - ensuring that scalp cooling treatment is being offered to patients and is being used correctly and efficiently.”
“Scalp cooling may not be for everyone but it’s important that people at least know there is an alternative out there. Chemotherapy doesn’t automatically have to mean wigs or shaving your head and by working with clinicians we can help change this perception and together ‘change the face of cancer.”