Availability of Cranial Prostheses for Black Patients at Comprehensive Cancer Centers

For patients who seek to camouflage cancer-related hair loss, cranial prostheses such as wigs and hair pieces exist. We sought to determine the availability of yaki-textured, type IV curls, and afro wigs at boutiques in Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs).

The 56 CCCs in the United States were surveyed to see whether they had an affiliated wig boutique for patients experiencing hair loss. Boutique workers were then asked a series of seven questions regarding cranial prostheses options for patients seeking yaki-textured, type IV curls, and afro wigs. The availability of wigs was compared with US Census data on population size and density of Black residents.

Of the 56 CCCs, 27 (46%) institutions had active affiliated hair boutiques. We were able to reach 19 (70%) of the 27 boutiques, of which 53% (n = 10) offered yaki-textured wigs, 37% (n = 7) offered type IV curls or afro wigs, and 47% (n = 9) offered neither. Two additional boutiques offered in-store catalogs for Black patients who were interested in naturally appearing wigs. Although two institutions offered a wig bank that was free to all patients, neither had yaki-textured or afro wigs in stock. There was no significant relationship between population size or density of Black residents and availability of these wigs.

Many Black patients undergoing cancer treatment interested in cranial prosthesis do not have consistent access to wigs with textures comparable with type IV hair at CCCs. With increased inventory of racially inclusive wigs, partnerships with third-party vendors, and support for the previous authorization process, we can better support Black patients experiencing cancer-related hair loss.