Comparing men's and women's experiences of losing their hair during breast cancer treatment.

What is it about?

This article combines interview data from two separate studies to compare the experiences of men and women who have been treated for breast cancer, with a specific focus on cancer treatment related hair loss. It challenges assumptions that men are less affected by losing their hair and aims to ensure that men have similar access to support in order to deal with this side effect of their breast cancer treatment. A comparison of the studies revealed commonalities between men’s and women’s experiences but also interesting contrasts such as men’s use of humour to mask their distress or embarrassment at losing their hair. It also showed how women are better able, and better supported, to disguise hair loss including having the option of a using a wig whereas men were forced to reveal their baldness. The authors argue that it is important that men are equally supported to deal with hair loss resulting from their cancer treatment. They also agree with the male participants that information and advice should be offered through the same channels as for women, rather than having separate resources.

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Why is it important?

The article is important because it highlights that hair loss should not be considered as a gendered experience and that all cancer patients should be supported to deal with this side effect of their treatment, regardless of their gender identity.