The Flinders Foundation has funded two Paxman Cold Cap machines in the Flinders Infusion Suite. These machines are used by patients in an attempt to prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy. As the temperature of the cooling cap is significantly lower than the skin’s normal temperature, scalp cooling triggers vasoconstriction and consequently a reduction in blood (flow) perfusion to between 20-40% of normal blood flow levels. Reduction of blood flow translates to reduction in the extent of drug exposure, and therefore hair follicle damage overall. These cold caps have been very well used and replacement caps for the machines are required. The total funding received from the Dry July campaign was $10,236.55. 

Hair loss is an unfortunate and traumatic side effect of chemotherapy that for some patients can be avoided through the use of cold caps. The infusion suite has the machines that activate the cold caps but now, after many years of use, the caps themselves are needing to be replaced. With hundreds of patients each year being supported at the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, this service is key to providing support to patients in their cancer journey by allowing them to retain some dignity and self-esteem.

This initiative has proven to be highly successful. With the funds from Dry July, the Flinders Infusion Suite have been able to purchase the latest model of cold caps which are providing more impact and comfort to patients