We spend a great deal of time and money on physical appearance and self-image is greatly affected by hair. Losing it is very stressful and a constant reminder of cancer and its treatment. It is normal to feel anger, sadness, embarassment or fear with the loss of hair. There will be a loss of hair within the radiation treatment area usually within two weeks of treatment. The amount of loss depends on the dose of radiation and the size of the treatment area.
Hair grows quickly and therefore is very sensitive to the effects of radiation.
Regrowth of hair usually starts once radiation treatments are over, unless chemotherapy is being administered. Often it may take 6 months or more for hair to return. There may be changes in the hair when it does return. When radiation therapy first begins, find out from your physician or nurse how much hair loss you can expect. This way, you can decide whether to make arrangement for a wig.