Alopecia is the medical term for loss of hair. In relation to cancer, we most commonly think of alopecia as hair loss from the head as a side-effect of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy does not always result in alopecia or hair loss, but when it does all hair on the body can be affected, including eyelashes, eyebrows and hair in the genital region. Sometimes a cold cap is used during chemotherapy sessions in order to lessen the likelihood of hair loss.
Radiotherapy can also result in alopecia, but only in the area affected directly by the radiation.
Alopecia can have a profound effect on the person’s self-image and may contribute to depression, or relationship difficulties. Some people choose to cut their hair very short in case they lose it as this may lessen the impact.