Korean J Dermatol.  2021 Aug;59(7):521-526.

Hair Changes and Hair Care in Women Treated with Adjuvant Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study

• Lee JK
• Kim CH
• Hong D
• Jung KE
• Seo YJ
• Kim CD
• Lee JS
• Kwon IS
• Park S
• Lee Y

Abstract

Background
Hormone therapy, which includes tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, is the most common adjuvant therapy used for breast cancer. However, only a few studies have reported endocrine therapy induced alopecia.
Objective
We investigated the effects of long-term adjuvant hormone therapy on hair in patients with breast cancer, in addition to patients’ concerns and current treatment for hair loss.
Methods
Patients completed a questionnaire that included information on self-perceived hair changes after each adjuvant therapy session, distress, and current treatment for hair loss. Using a folliscope, we measured hair density and thickness in each patient and in healthy controls.
Results
The study included 93 patients with breast cancer (mean age 51.9±9.8 years). The density and hair thickness were 106.36±21.85 hairs/cm² and 0.07±0.01 mm in the patient group and 147.86±30.67 hairs/cm² and 0.07±0.01 mm in the control group (n=98, mean age 52.10±8.40 years), respectively. The mean hair density was significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group; however, no statistically significant intergroup difference was observed in hair thickness. Among 76 patients who perceived hair changes after adjuvant therapy, 71.1% (n=54) were distressed with regard to hair changes. However, only 7.8% of the patients, including two who were treated by dermatologists, currently received treatment for hair changes.
Conclusion
Dermatologists should be familiar with hair changes in patients with breast cancer and provide appropriate education to encourage patients to consult dermatologists for hair loss and thinning after breast cancer treatment.

Keyword

Alopecia; Aromatase inhibitors; Hair loss; Surveys and questionnaires; Tamoxifen