Which is More Difficult? Losing Hair or Losing Breast: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine how women with breast cancer perceive chemotherapy-induced alopecia. This qualitative study included 20 patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia. The data were collected through the semi-structured interview method and analyzed using the "phenomenological analysis" method. Perceptions and experiences of women with breast cancer about chemotherapy-induced alopecia were examined under six themes; facing alopecia, perceiving alopecia, hiding alopecia, changes in life after alopecia, keeping hope alive, and facilitating the difficulties experienced. When women lost their hair, they experienced sadness, anxiety, panic, and regret. Most women shaved their hair and used accessories such as wigs, bandanas, and headscarves to hide their hair loss and not to experience alopecia. The women who lost their hair worried that their spouses would not like them anymore and the majority preferred to hide their alopecia not to worry their children. Besides, they avoided entering social circles because alopecia made their disease visible. It was seen that those who knew that they would lose their hair, who believed that it was their destiny, and who had support systems accepted their situation more easily. The study results provide detailed information on how women perceived hair loss and will contribute to identifying nursing interventions that will help improve adaptability to alopecia and coping mechanisms.