Actor Dipika Kakar recently updated fans on her health journey after being treated for stage 2 liver cancer. In her YouTube video, she revealed that her three-month tumour marker report has returned to normal, eliminating the need for a FAPI scan for another two months. Despite this positive news, Kakar disclosed she is experiencing significant side effects from treatment, particularly severe hair fall. She explained that after showering, she avoids speaking for about 15 minutes due to the extent of hair loss, which she finds frightening. Medical experts clarify that hair loss and fatigue are common after cancer treatment, caused by therapies like chemotherapy that affect fast-growing cells, including hair follicles. Doctors emphasize these side effects are usually temporary and do not indicate disease recurrence. Kakar also mentioned her husband, Shoaib Ibrahim, has been unwell due to seasonal weather changes.
Managing Hair Loss After Cancer Treatment
Dr Meghal Sanghavi, an oncosurgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, explained that hair loss is among the most visible signs of cancer treatment. The problem stems from medications such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or oral drugs that attack rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. Even when cancer is controlled and reports are positive, patients may continue experiencing side effects as the body heals. Doctors recommend gentle scalp care, a protein-rich diet, and sometimes growth-promoting supplements once treatment slows. Scalp cooling caps during chemotherapy may reduce hair loss. Emotional support is equally crucial, as sudden appearance changes can be challenging. These side effects are typically temporary and do not signal disease worsening or recurrence.
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