Mater Private Brisbane uses scalp cooling tech to minimise hair loss after chemotherapy

A scalp cooling system is helping cancer patients at one of the state’s biggest hospitals keep their hair and their dignity.

Catriona Bennett has benefited from the treatment.

A scalp cooling system is helping cancer patients at one of the state’s biggest hospitals keep their hair and their dignity.

The medical equipment was bought with community donations and helped make the chemotherapy journey less traumatic for Catriona Bennett.

Mater clinical nurse consultant Ash Mondolo said the scalp cooler enabled a higher level of hair retention, and even complete preservation in some cases.

She said this could improve the self-confidence and attitude of patients during their cancer journey.

Dr Bennett was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in Maylast year when she was 30.

She underwent five months of intensive chemotherapy and had surgery to remove 25 lymph nodes.

Her breast cancer journey has also involved a mastectomy, radiation treatment and reconstruction surgery at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane last month.

Dr Bennett said the new scalp cooling treatment at the Mater Cancer Care Centre gave her back her dignity.

“While I knew I would still lose some of my hair, it wasn’t as much as some other patients which can be confronting,” she said.

“The regrowth of my hair has been really amazing – I take photos weekly to see the progress.”

On Wednesday the cancer care centre will be asking the community to show their support again on Mater Giving Day

Mater Foundation says its next fundraising priority for the Mater Cancer Care Centre will be for a Tivato 700 microscope to improve care and outcomes for breast cancer reconstruction surgery patients.

The ‘smart’ microscope has advanced optics and functions, providing surgeons with unprecedented image clarity, enhancing surgical and patient outcomes.

Mater Private Hospital General Manager Jennifer Pitt said equipment funded by community donations would make a major difference to healthcare in Brisbane.

“Medical technology is constantly evolving and it’s so important for our patients that we can bring that technology into our hospitals,” Ms Pitt said.

“Our doctors and medical teams play a key role in choosing which devices and systems are purchased to ensure every dollar donated delivers the maximum benefit for our patients.

“Whether it’s delivering lifesaving surgery for breast cancer patients or life-changing equipment for those during their cancer journey, this technology will make a positive impact on the health of our community.”

Donations can be made online until Wednesday