Cold Capping Technology Debuted in Bakersfield
Mercy Southwest Hospital introduced a system designed to help chemotherapy patients minimize hair loss.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Cancer
Live Poll
Should local hospitals prioritize offering hair-loss prevention technology for cancer patients during chemotherapy treatments?
Dignity Health and Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center have unveiled new cold capping technology at Mercy Southwest Hospital. This marks the first time such equipment has been available to patients in Kern County.
Why it matters
The treatment aims to prevent or reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss, providing patients with a greater sense of normalcy and control during their recovery process.
This represents the first confirmed installation of clinical cold capping technology within Kern County. The equipment is now operational at Mercy Southwest Hospital following a live demonstration of the system.
The players
Dignity Health
Dignity Health is a large nonprofit healthcare system that operates multiple hospitals and care centers across California.
Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center
Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center is a medical provider specializing in hematology and oncology treatment services.
Mercy Southwest Hospital
Mercy Southwest Hospital is a healthcare facility located in Bakersfield that provides acute care and medical services.
The details
The technology works by cooling the scalp during chemotherapy sessions to mitigate hair loss. During the unveiling, patients who have previously utilized the system shared personal testimonials regarding their experiences with the treatment.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Dignity Health and CBCC unveiled the cold capping technology.
The Big Picture
This implementation at a local hospital follows a pattern set by the widespread regulatory approval of scalp cooling systems for cancer treatment.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy in the area may now choose to utilize cold capping to reduce hair loss. This treatment option offers a new path for individuals seeking to maintain their appearance and personal comfort while receiving care.
The takeaway
Cold capping technology provides a practical option for chemotherapy patients looking to manage side effects during treatment. Patients interested in this service should consult with their oncology team to determine if the cooling system is appropriate for their specific regimen.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Bakersfield Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGET 17.
Live Poll
Should local hospitals prioritize offering hair-loss prevention technology for cancer patients during chemotherapy treatments?
