Future Dreams, one of the UK’s most dynamic breast cancer charities has collaborated with PAXMAN to donate a dual cooling system machine (also known as a cold cap) to North Middlesex Hospital. Claire Paxman, Dr Fharat Raja, Consultant Medical Oncologist at North Middlesex Hospital, Joanna Franks, Future Dreams Trustee and Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon all spoke at the launch to explain the importance of having this machine available to patients at the hospital.
The machine helps to prevent hair loss for women having chemotherapy. Recent statistics have shown 8% of women decide against having chemotherapy for fear of losing their hair.
The PAXMAN Cooling System alleviates the damage caused to the hair follicle by chemotherapy. Hair is the second fastest dividing cell hence the reason why many chemotherapy drugs cause alopecia. The hair follicles in the growth phase are attacked, resulting in hair loss approximately two weeks after the commencement of chemotherapy treatment. The machine works by reducing the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy.
Made from lightweight silicone, the scalp cooling cap is soft and flexible, providing a snug, yet comfortable fit during treatment, moulding to all head shapes and sizes. Liquid coolant passes through the cap, extracting heat from the person’s scalp, ensuring it remains at an even, constant temperature to minimise hair loss.
Claire Paxman explains “It is such an honour to partner with such a wonderful charity as Future Dreams. The important work that Future Dreams does in memory of the inspirational co-founders Sylvie & Danielle is synonymous with the work that we do in memory of my beautiful late Mum, Sue Paxman. Hair loss is ranked by patients as one of the most traumatic side effects of chemotherapy treatment and we at PAXMAN are committed to ensuring that people have access to scalp cooling and Future Dreams have made this possible for cancer patients of North Middlesex hospital”.
Dr Fharat Raja, Consultant Medical Oncologist at North Middlesex Hospital continues, “This is truly wonderful news. I can’t thank Future Dreams and the trustees enough for this hugely generous donation. The patients at the North Middlesex Hospital will be delighted to have the option of preserving their hair and it is also fantastic for the staff to be able to offer patients the best supportive care”.
