The loss of hair that comes as a side effect of many chemotherapy agents can be a devastating part of cancer treatment. Some patients see it as not just a blow to their vanity but as a constant, visual reminder of their illness. It’s often the most devastating aspect of treatment…The desire to belong is so strong that many women will make medical decisions based on the desire to keep their hair. I’ve often had patients who resist chemo because of the hair loss.”

Hope S. Rugo, MD
Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine – Hematology/Oncology, UCSF
Director of Breast Oncology and Clinical Trials Education at UCSF

“Scalp cooling is clinically proven and can be an important tool for many women in treatment for breast cancer. As a world-leader in comprehensive cancer care we are proud to be able to offer our patients across the New York metro area this new FDA-cleared advancement that addresses one of the most distressing and most visible side effects of chemotherapy.”

Tessa Cigler, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College
Weill Cornell Breast Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital

“Cold-cap therapy is empowering. It allows women to maintain their self-esteem and sense of well-being, as well as to protect their privacy. Without these caps, 100% of the women lose their hair by the second treatment.”

Sara Hurvitz, MD
Director, Breast Cancer Clinical Research Program, UCLA
Asst. Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology – David Geffen School of Medicine

“I think the hardest thing for so many of our patients is losing their hair, because they lose part of their identity. If you can keep your hair, look in the mirror and don’t look sick, it’s very important for feeling better.”

Mario Lacouture, MD
Director of Oncodermatology Program
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

“Just as in the same way that we changed the landscape of the management of nausea and vomiting with new drugs, we’re now going to change the landscape of this side effect with the implementation of scalp cooling.”

Mikel Ross, BSN RN OCN
Office Practice Nurse – Breast Service
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

“For those of us who have been giving chemo for so long, to see that finally there is something to provide confidence to patients is exciting. When you can offer this, the world changes. You see it in our patients’ whole outlook as they deal with cancer.”

Marta Vallee-Cobham, RN
Clinical Research Nurse
Weill Cornell Breast Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital

Gail Wang, Practice Manager at GenesisCare St Leonards and Frenchs Forest, who has worked in the field of medical oncology for a number of years, said she had witnessed firsthand the profound emotional impact hair loss can have on patients undergoing chemotherapy.

“Hair loss during chemotherapy can be extremely confronting for patients, many of whom are concerned about attracting attention and having to answer questions relating to their diagnosis and treatment.”

“We are delighted to be partnering with DigniCap to offer this new scalp cooling technology to help patients save their hair throughout treatment. DigniCap is a single patient cooling cap, which has been critical in addressing hygienic challenges in the age of coronavirus.”

“At GenesisCare we believe in a holistic approach to cancer care which considers both the physical and emotional needs of our patients. Our investment in this scalp cooling technology highlights our commitment to minimising the emotional burdens associated with chemotherapy and supporting the psychological health of our patients.”