Abstract PS1-01-01: Evaluating the use, self-reported outcomes, and cost of using scalp cooling in a prospective survey study of young women with early-stage breast cancer

Abstract Background: Hair loss is a significant quality of life issue for women with breast cancer (BC) and may be particularly distressing for young women. Scalp cooling (SC) is effective at preventing chemotherapy (CT)-induced alopecia, and studies suggest improved quality of life in patients who have undergone successful SC. However, SC is rarely covered by insurance. The decision to use SC is personal. We aimed to understand how young women navigate the decision to use SC during CT, and self-reported estimates of hair loss, hair recovery, and cost at 1-year follow-up (FU). Methods: This is a single-institution prospective registry of young women diagnosed with early BC $100,000, 180 (89%) held college or higher degrees. Of pts that used SC, 31% received AC-containing and 69% receivednon-AC-containing CT. Pts who received non-AC regimens were more likely to use SC (p=0.046). Of 202 pts, 106 (52%) used SC. SC use was not associated with age, income, education level, having children, relationship status, or race. Depression and anxiety were assessed at BL using PROMIS measures in 129 pts. Pts that planned to use SC had higher anxiety (p=0.046), but no association with depression scores was evident (p=0.169). 75 of 106 (71%) pts who used SC completed a 1-year FU survey. 6% of pts reported losing 75% of their hair. At 1-year FU, the majority (68%) were satisfied with their SC experience, however hair loss, hair regrowth, and cost varied widely. SC is an important option for young pts. These data can improve shared decision-making around the use of SC. Techniques to improve efficacy are still needed. Citation Format: S. Krasnegor, A. Paciorek, K. H. Natsuhara, K. Kuwahara, K. Blevins, K. Blum, M. Kim, H. S. Rugo, M. Melisko, M. Majure, L. A. Huppert, H. Batra-Sharma, L. J. Esserman, A. Chien. Evaluating the use, self-reported outcomes, and cost of using scalp cooling in a prospective survey study of young women with early-stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-01-01.