Abstract CN68
Background
Chemotherapy induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most common adverse events caused by conventional chemotherapy, yet it is often overlooked as a cancer research priority. Therefore, evidence regarding the physical and psychosocial experiences of alopecia for women receiving chemotherapy received critical review.
Methods
An integrative review was conducted assimilating evidence from peer-reviewed, primary quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies, published in the English language. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycInfo identified 23 studies which met the inclusion criteria. Data relating to women’s experiences of alopecia was extracted and synthesised thematically using the Braun and Clark framework (2006).
Results
Analytical themes were formed including “more than the loss of hair”. Studies mainly employed qualitative designs (n = 13) and mostly recruited women from single sites with a homogenous diagnosis of breast cancer (n = 13). Furthermore, studies predominantly included younger age groups with disparity in current evidence relating to older age groups (>75 years), haematological malignancies and rarer tumour groups. CIA was often found to be the most problematic or feared part of the cancer journey and chemotherapy process. For many women, initial conversations about chemotherapy created psychological distress and anxiety. The physical loss of hair was found to interrupt quality of life and functioning for women, involving a loss of privacy and self-confidence. CIA is more than the loss of hair; it is a highly individualised experience for women which requires enhanced understanding to ameliorate the physical and psychosocial impact of this adverse event of cancer treatment.
Conclusions
This review acknowledges the continued pervasive physical and psychosocial implications arising from the burdensome experience of CIA. Existing knowledge regarding the experience of CIA for women among older age groups, with haematological malignancies or rarer tumour groups is limited; further research should endeavour to address these shortcomings. Healthcare professionals must discuss the potential risks of alopecia, providing patients with an opportunity to voice their experiences of CIA.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
A. Drury: Non-Financial Interests, Institutional, Member, Board Member: EONS. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.