Calls for scalp cooling technology for people receiving cancer treatment in Louth

Green Party Senators have put forward a motion calling on the government to extend scalp cooling technology to all people receiving cancer treatment.

The motion is calling for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda to have the hair retaining service extended to it.

Senator Pauline O’Reilly, Chair of the Green Party and the Green Party MEP candidate for Midlands North West for the upcoming European Elections, said it is important to many people going through cancer treatment that they retain as much hair as possible.

Currently, only seven hospitals offer scalp cooling treatment which, Senator O’Reilly says, is an increasingly effective method of preventing hair loss for those undergoing certain types of chemotherapy.

Senator O’Reilly says that it is essential that this service is extended to all 26 public hospitals providing anti-cancer therapies in Ireland.

The motion calling for an extension of scalp cooling services across all public hospitals is before the Seanad today and is being put forward by Green Party Senators Pauline O’Reilly, Róisín Garvey, and Vincent P. Martin.

Senator O’Reilly said: “Keeping your hair during cancer treatment shouldn’t be a matter of geography. People living in Louth or receiving treatment there shouldn’t be at a disadvantage to other areas.

“Losing your hair through cancer treatments is often one of the most difficult side effects that people have to deal with.

“For many people, and women in particular, their hair is an important part of who they are and retaining it can help them retain their dignity during a very difficult time.

“When given the option, many people will choose to use the ‘cold cap’ treatment and what we want is all hospitals who treat cancer to offer this service. We hope the government will look positively on this proposal.”