What causes hair loss with cancer?

As an oncologist with extensive experience in treating cancer patients, I can explain the causes of hair loss associated with cancer treatment. Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common side effect of chemotherapy, which is a primary treatment for many types of cancer. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and kill rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of cancer cells as they grow and spread quickly. However, the chemotherapy drugs do not exclusively target cancer cells; they also affect other cells in the body that divide rapidly. One of the most notable groups of these cells is found in the hair roots, or follicles. Normal hair growth occurs in cycles, with a resting phase followed by a growth phase. During chemotherapy, the drugs can disrupt this cycle, causing the hair follicles to enter a resting state prematurely, which then leads to hair loss. This loss can be widespread, affecting not only the scalp but also other parts of the body where hair grows, such as the face, underarms, and pubic area. It's important to note that hair loss due to chemotherapy is usually temporary. Once the treatment is completed and the body begins to recover, hair typically starts to grow back. The new hair may be different in texture or color initially, but it generally returns to its normal state over time.

Chemotherapy drugs are powerful medications that attack rapidly growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, these drugs also attack other rapidly growing cells in your body �� including those in your hair roots. Chemotherapy may cause hair loss all over your body �� not just on your scalp.