Your medical team
Talking to your doctor about hair concerns may be something totally new to you, but most cancer doctors and nurses understand that hair loss can be a very emotional, physical, and practical concern for you. So don’t feel uncomfortable about discussing your concerns with your care team about how you will look because they are used to it and talk to people about their hair concerns every day.However, the medical profession are very busy trying to take care of your health and they specialise in medicine, not hairdressing. So I recommend that you ask the receptionist at your hospital or care unit who is the best person for you to ask about hair loss concern, whether that is your doctor or nurse.
For example, sometimes your doctor may be able to tell you if your brand of chemotherapy or other treatment will cause hair loss or write you a prescription for a wig. But normally it is the nurses who have the most day to day experience of dealing with hair loss and may be better able to help you and connect you to services such as wig suppliers and support groups.
Sometimes it is hard to know what hair care issues you should discuss with your doctor or care team, but it is always better to ask rather then assume. For example, many people are not aware that they should not normally colour, perm or permanently straighten their hair during active chemotherapy treatment and until the entire treatment phase is complete. Or that even the most natural of supplements or some natural treatment such as a scalp massage may, for various medical reasons, not be suitable during cancer and any treatment.
So when it comes to your hair care please always check with your doctor to see that services, products, advice and treatments are suitable for you.
Remember that you can also talk to medical experts such as a Macmillan nurse for advice and support.
Macmillan
A Macmillan nurse will be able to help you find out what hair care services are appropriate for you at this time, ask your local nurse Macmillan nurse or call the Macmillan help line 0808 800 1234