Minimize Hair Loss with DigniCap Scalp Cooling
For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, hair loss can be a constant reminder of the disease. Fortunately, chemotherapy-induced hair loss can now be significantly reduced for many individuals. Beaufort Memorial offers the DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System to patients receiving certain chemotherapy drugs at both the Keyserling Cancer Center and New River Cancer Center. DigniCap can be used by patients receiving chemotherapy to treat solid tumors for breast cancer as well as prostate, ovarian, uterine, lung and other tissues.
For over a decade DigniCap has successfully helped thousands of patients globally and we are proud to offer the FDA-cleared DigniCap treatment as an option for our patients.
How Does Scalp Cooling Work?
Some chemotherapy drugs can damage your hair cells. Cooling of the scalp is a proven approach to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss that has been used successfully by thousands of patients worldwide.
Two reactions occur during scalp cooling:
- Reduced blood flow: The reduced temperature constricts blood vessels, reducing circulation to the scalp area so that less chemotherapy reaches the hair follicles.
- Reduced metabolism: Lower scalp temperature decreases the reaction rate causing normal cellular activity in the scalp to slow dramatically.
With these two reactions the follicles absorb fewer chemotherapy agents and hair loss is significantly reduced.
What is DigniCap?
The DigniCap Scalp Cooling System consists of a computerized cooling unit managed through a touch screen display and an attached cooling cap. Temperature regulated coolant continuously circulates though specially designed channels in the cooling cap. The ability to maintain continuous, direct contact between the cooling cap and scalp for a consistent treatment temperature is a key factor in the effectiveness of DigniCap.
Find answers to frequently asked questions and information on hair care while using the DigniCap.
Who Can Use DigniCap?
The DigniCap Scalp Cooling System is indicated to reduce the likelihood of chemotherapy-induced hair loss in patients with solid tumors. Please note that scalp cooling is effective with many chemotherapy drugs, but not all. Speak with your oncologist about the compatibility of scalp cooling with your treatment.
Before treatments begin, patients must purchase a DigniCap kit. DigniCap also charges a per-treatment fee which your insurance plan may cover. (Beaufort Memorial only facilitates the service and does not receive any of the payment.) DigniCap offers an online patient hub with resources and assistance with insurance paperwork.
Financial Resources
Below are resources dedicated to helping cancer patients afford DigniCap.