Gorleston’s James Paget University Hospital has invested in a second Paxman scalp cooling machine which can help prevent hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
It means more people can request scalp cooling as part of their treatment plan, an initiative that has been driven by nurses in the chemotherapy unit.
The machines work by lowering the temperature of the head and scalp immediately before, after and during the administration of chemotherapy. This can prevent or minimise damage caused to hair follicles, meaning that hair loss is not inevitable.
Ward sister Liz Alyward said: “We are most grateful for the donations that allowed us to purchase it. Looking at the results so far, we are thrilled about the benefits we can offer to our patients.”
Valerie Jason, a previous chemotherapy patient, said: “I wore the cool cap during all six of my chemo sessions. My full head of hair remained throughout with only a little thinning. Never having to worry about my hair was an important part of coping with my chemotherapy.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here