Experiences of Scalp Cooling Therapy in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: An Aspect of Supportive Care Based on Patients’ Free-text Responses

Abstract

Objective: To clarify the actual pain experienced by patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy with scalp cooling during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer and how they perceive this pain, and to examine its significance as supportive care. Methods: We conducted a content analysis of a questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions among patients undergoing preoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer who had undergone scalp cooling. Results: Of the 50 participants, the study included the 22 who provided consent. The median age was 48.5 years. Although physical discomfort such as jaw pain and a sensation of coldness was observed, environmental adjustments and the involvement of healthcare providers influenced how patients perceived their discomfort and their decisions regarding continued use of the cooling method. Content analysis of the open-ended responses identified four categories: “environmental adjustments and considerations,” “conflict between physical discomfort and hair loss prevention,” “impact of high costs on continuation,” and “uncertainty regarding the evaluation of the cooling method’s effectiveness”. Conclusion: The results suggest that scalp cooling may serve not only as a means of preventing hair loss but also as a form of supportive care that helps patients cope with preoperative chemotherapy.