Cancer
What is Cancer? Cancer arises from abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth. Normally, cells divide and stop when needed, but cancerous cells continue multiplying and can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Tumours, which are masses of cancer cells, can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Categories of Cancer
Carcinomas: Start in epithelial surfaces, forming solid tumours.
Adenocarcinomas: Begin in glandular tissues.
Sarcomas: Arise in supporting structures like bone or muscle.
Leukemias: Originate in blood cells, typically white blood cells.
Lymphomas: Develop in lymphatic system cells.
Metastatic Cancers: Cancer can metastasise, spreading from the primary site to other body parts, commonly affecting the bone, brain, liver, and lung.
The Relationship between Cancer and Hair Loss
Hair Loss in patients with cancer most commonly occurs due to the treatments used to treat the cancer. The hair loss which occurs during the cancer journey can play a major role in the social and psychological effects of both the condition and treatment.
Chemotherapy: Targets rapidly growing cancer cells but also affects other fast-growing cells, including hair roots, leading to hair loss over the body. Hair usually begins falling out two to four weeks after starting treatment and may regrow in a different texture or colour post-treatment.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Cancer Drugs: Often cause hair thinning and sometimes complete hair loss. Certain drugs may result in slower hair growth, hair thinning, and dry, brittle hair.
Understanding the complexities of cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, is crucial for awareness and coping strategies, especially regarding side effects like hair loss.