Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia and Quality of Life: Ovarian and Uterine Cancer Patients and the Aesthetics of Disease

This study examined the impact of chemotherapy-induced alopecia on the quality of life of ovarian and uterine cancer patients, involving 23 participants and 55 interviews. Four main themes emerged: the effect of alopecia on quality of life, the "mirror moment," performance of social roles, and gendered visibility. Patients experienced significant distress due to hair loss, which affected their ability to perform important social roles, such as being a partner or mother/grandmother, and influenced their interactions in public. The study suggested that clinicians should address alopecia throughout chemotherapy to help patients cope and discuss other concerns. The unique impact on women's social and familial roles warranted further research.