Health Tip: Hair Loss in Women With Cancer

(HealthDay News) -- For women, a diagnosis of cancer often signals the possibility of losing their hair. While hair loss varies in different women, it is often lost within two weeks of starting chemotherapy.

The American Cancer Society offers these tips for women who are upset about hair loss:

• Shop for a wig before the start of treatment in order to match the texture and color of your natural hair.
• Get a prescription for the wig because it may be covered by health insurance.
• If your hair is long, consider a wig made from your own hair.
• Choose scarves as an alternative to wearing a wig.

Before women wear a wig, they should gently brush and wash their own hair, and avoid using heat-styling products. The scalp should be protected when going outside in extreme weather conditions.

-- Kimberly Sferruzzo

Last Updated: Oct. 14, 2005