Yes, cancer treatments can cause hair loss. Chemotherapy is the most common cause of hair loss during cancer treatment, but other treatments such as radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, or targeted (biological) therapy can also cause changes to hair. Hair loss can affect hair all over the body, including the head, face, arms, legs, underarms, and pubic area. Lost hair usually grows back after treatment ends, but it may not grow back the same as it was before. For example, it can grow back thinner or with a different texture than before. Hair changes, such as thickness and texture, may or may not be permanent.
It is important to note that not all chemotherapy drugs have hair loss as a possible side effect.
Hair loss during cancer treatment can be challenging, and managing side effects like hair loss and the emotions that come with it are an important part of cancer care and treatment. Talk with your health care team about how you can cope with treatment-related hair loss.
