I had radiation to my chest, neck, and armpit. After radiation most of my armpit hair is permanently gone. I only have a few stray hairs at the very top and bottom of my armpit now and my radiation oncologist said that the areas with the hair didn't receive radiation. It's very different from chemo hair loss where you lose hair all over your body.
2 days ago
Yes, radiation can cause hair loss, but it's a bit different from chemotherapy-related hair loss. Radiation typically only affects hair in the area being treated, rather than all over the body.
Here's what to know:
- Hair loss from radiation is usually localized to the treated area
- Skin in the treated area may also become Show Full Answer
Yes, radiation can cause hair loss, but it's a bit different from chemotherapy-related hair loss. Radiation typically only affects hair in the area being treated, rather than all over the body.
Here's what to know:
- Hair loss from radiation is usually localized to the treated area
- Skin in the treated area may also become red, darkened, or sensitive
- Some hair loss may be temporary, but changes can sometimes last longer One MyBCTeam member shared that during their second week of radiation, they noticed losing some of their eyebrows, which shows it can affect unexpected areas depending on where treatment is directed.
It's always worth flagging any hair or skin changes to your care team early — the sooner they know, the more options they have to help manage it.
3 days ago