Scalp Cooler Project

Scalp Cooler Project

The cancer centre of AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, is actively combating cancer. In order to make the lives of oncological patients more bearable they would like to buy additional scalp coolers.

Many oncological patients experience hair loss as one of the most profound side effects of chemotherapy. In certain chemotherapy treatments – the success of hair retention
depends on the product used – a scalp cooler can reduce or even prevent hair loss by cooling the scalp before, during and after chemotherapy.

The scalp cooler “freezes” as it were the scalp, which reduces the control of the chemo. The first 10 minutes the cooler feels a little unpleasant but afterwards the scalp is anaesthetised and the patient doesn’t feel the cold anymore.

Dr. Philip Debruyne (oncologist AZ Groeninge): “With the 4 current devices, we can treat an average of 7 patients a day. However, the demand for this is greater. We expect that demand will only increase. There is therefore a strong need to purchase additional equipment. The intention is therefore to use the proceeds of the “Cancer Support Group” non-profit
organisation’s benefit concerts to purchase an additional hair cooling device so that we can continue to offer this service to our patients free of charge.” Dr. Philip Debruyne (oncologist AZ Groeninge): “With the 4 current devices, we can treat an average of 7 patients a day. However, the demand for this is greater. We expect that demand will only increase. There is therefore a strong need to purchase additional equipment. The intention is therefore to use the proceeds of the “Cancer Support Group” non-profit
organisation’s benefit concerts to purchase an additional hair cooling device so that we can continue to offer this service to our patients free of charge.”

 

Sofie Degraeve (head of the nursing department for oncological day hospital AZ Groeninge): “At the department we often hear that patients, once they have accepted their diagnosis, experience hair loss as a major social and psychological barrier. Our departmental policy focuses on caring for patients in order to guide them through chemotherapy as comfortably as possible, not only medically but psychosocial as well. And the prevention of hair loss fits perfectly into this. The fact that patients can retain their hair gives them a lot of self-esteem.”

 

Lies (patient): “When I was treated against cancer two years ago, I couldn’t use the scalp cooler and my hair started to fall out after a while. The pain in my hair became so unbearable that I took the decision to shave off everything. That was very far-reaching for me. I had the feeling of being fired, people immediately see you as a sick person when you are bald or when you touch a wig or hat.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gifts:

ASBL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
BE84 8508 6975 6659
BIC code: NICABEBB

Please mention Scalp Cooler Project.

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