Scalp cooling treatment now available in Dickinson
Sept. 10, 2026
Contact:
Chelsey Kralicek
Sanford Health Media Relations
701-516-4903 / Chelsey.Kralicek@SanfordHealth.org
DICKINSON, N.D. – Sanford Dickinson is helping patients undergoing chemotherapy preserve more of their hair by offering the Paxman Scalp Cooling System, an innovative treatment designed to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
Hair loss is one of the most visible and emotionally difficult side effects of cancer treatment. For many patients, it is one of the first concerns they raise when learning they will need chemotherapy. Beyond the physical change, hair loss can impact self-esteem, emotional well-being and a person’s sense of identity.
To help address those challenges, Sanford now offers Paxman Scalp Cooling, also known as cold cap therapy, for eligible patients receiving chemotherapy.
“Cancer treatments can have a devastating impact on patients. We wanted to do more for our patients to provide hope and comfort during their journey,” said Kathleen Koppinger, senior director of clinics, Sanford Dickinson. “We hope it helps patients regain some control, feel more like themselves when they look in the mirror and bring a little more normalcy to their lives when cancer has already taken so much.”
Scalp cooling works by reducing blood flow to hair follicles during chemotherapy, limiting the amount of cancer-fighting drugs that reach the follicles and helping reduce hair loss. It is the only clinically proven method for managing chemotherapy-related hair loss through both hair retention and, in some cases, faster hair regrowth following treatment.
Research shows scalp cooling does not affect the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Depending on the chemotherapy regimen, the therapy can be up to 70% effective in reducing hair loss. Studies have also shown it may support healthier and faster hair regrowth after treatment.
The treatment is generally well tolerated, with mild headaches from the cooling sensation being the most commonly reported side effect. For many patients, the benefits extend far beyond appearance.
Sanford West Dickinson Clinic currently has the Paxman Scalp Cooling system available. Patients receive a cap kit before treatment that includes everything needed for scalp cooling during chemotherapy sessions.
Because scalp cooling is not typically covered by insurance, financial assistance may be available for eligible patients.
Patients interested in learning more about Paxman Scalp Cooling should speak with their oncology care team to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for their cancer care plan.
The Sanford Health Bismarck Region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 26 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes 92 retail pharmacies, including Sanford and Lewis Drug pharmacies with locations in 6 states, and more than 300 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
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