Experimental Scalp-Cooling Device Helps Prevent Hair Loss In Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There is new help for women being treated for breast cancer as a device can help them feel better emotionally by helping with hair loss.

CBS 3's Stephanie Stahl reports that a study released Friday shows that a new experimental scalp-cooling device works well in preventing hair loss.

For 12 weeks, Karen Dicken, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, wore the cap before chemotherapy for 30 minutes, during treatment, and then for an hour afterwards.

"It was very cold," Dicken said. "It was almost like a brain freeze when they put that cap on me."

The cap cools the scalp to about 24 degrees, reducing blood flow.

"The follicles get chilled and it slows everything down and keeps the chemo out of there," said Dr. John Pippen of the Baylor Sammons Cancer Center.

The new study looked at 182 women undergoing chemo for early-stage breast cancer at seven sites across the United States. Results showed the device prevented hair loss in over half the patients who used it.

"To be able to go through the process and keeping my hair kept me positive and that's what pushed me through," said Dicken, who only lost about 5 percent of her hair.

The study also showed that women who kept their hair during chemo did better emotionally.

The maker of the device is filing for FDA clearance as there is already another similar cap on the market.