Olivia Humphreys

Athena

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is a distressing side effect common to specific treatments in oncology. Alopecia can significantly reduce quality of life and negatively affect body image for patients with cancer. As such, there has been growing pressure on oncology wards to support patients experiencing hair loss and offer supporting treatments to minimise this. Scalp Cooling treatment aims to mitigate this side effect. However, its integration into the Irish healthcare system faces obstacles such as insufficient cap fitting, limitations in nurse capacity, prolonged hospital stays, and a scarcity of treatment slots. Athena is a scalp-cooling device consisting of a carry case and a wearable headpiece. Athena aims to provide patients with a more accessible and effective option for scalp cooling treatment, giving patients control over their care in a time of little control.