Machine slowing hair loss for cancer patients unveiled at GV Health

Chemotherapy attacks fast-growing cancer cells.

The side effect is that the therapy also attacks other fast-growing cells in the body, including cells in hair roots, leading to hair loss.

The scalp cooling machine has an ice cap that patients put on their heads to freeze hair follicles and slow down hair loss.

Patients can use the machine before, during and after their treatment.

This specific design was pioneered by a British man named Glenn Paxman.

Glenn’s wife, Sue Paxman, was diagnosed with cancer.

As Sue attempted to fight cancer by undergoing chemotherapy, she began to lose her hair.

Her family members said Sue tied her hair closely to her identity and that she was devastated when she lost all of it.

After witnessing his wife go through this pain and ultimately pass away, Glenn decided to take action, inventing a machine to let cancer patients choose to fight their hair loss.

GV Health oncology nurse unit manager Linley Smith said GV Health was one of the only oncology units in the state to have access to the technology, particularly in a regional area.

“There was a lady that was going to a wedding; I think maybe her daughter’s, and she did it (used the scalp cooling machine), and now she has that memory forever with her hair looking great,” she said.

“I don’t know what I’d feel like if I lost my hair.

“For some people, it’s a really key part of their identity.

“Some women have breast cancer and have had a mastectomy (breast removal surgery), so to lose their hair as well, that’s like all of their femininity.

“It can be a great comfort for people going through chemo.”

Linley said the oncology unit had a scalp cooling machine before, but it was outdated and unserviceable.

This new machine was purchased with funds from last year’s GV Health Foundation Ladies Who Lunch event.

GV Health Foundation chair Stephen Merrylees said the machine was another way to support oncology and women’s health services in Greater Shepparton.

“It’s something you’d typically have to travel hours to access, so it’s great to have here in Shepparton,” he said.

“Every single cent we raise stays here to raise funds for women’s cancer services.

“We’re looking forward to another great event this year.”

Ladies Who Lunch 2024 will be held on Sunday, October 27, at Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton.

Tickets go on sale in spring.

If you’re interested in sponsoring the event or donating items to the auction, raffle or goodie bags, please contact Lisa McKenzie on 0427 212 651.