The Most Apparent Aspect of Chemotherapy: Alopecia: Is It Possible to Prevent It?

Alopecia is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. hair loss in the chemotherapy process is an important side effect that can affect the individual physically, socially and spiritually in a negative way. although hair loss is not a side effect to limit treatment dose or a life threating conditon, since it causes negative effects on patients, this problem should not be overlooked. the loss of hair can be traumatic for patients because it negatively affects body image. since the late 1960s various methods have been used to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss. although all these methods are not 100% effective, they provide highquality hair protection. an important aspect of quality nursing care in the field of oncology is helping the patients to cope with the stressors caused by cancer and its treatment. the nurses are also responsible for ensuring and maintaining the best hair protection of the patients with cancer, preventing the complications caused by the treatment, preparing and supporting the patients to control the hair loss, providing the patient consulting service and training each member of the healthcare team. the aim of the present review was to investigate the etiology, risk factors, importance, and different prevention or management methods of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (cia).