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Olubukola Ayodele: New initiative promoting culturally tailored support for Black women affected by cancer

Olubukola Ayodele/LinkedIn

Feb 6, 2025, 10:19

Olubukola Ayodele: New initiative promoting culturally tailored support for Black women affected by cancer

Olubukola Ayodele, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“This World Cancer Day 2025 with the theme ‘United by Unique’, we are excited to launch our new initiative promoting culturally tailored support for Black women affected by cancer.

This project with a seed grant from Gilead Sciences UK and Ireland focuses on the impact that the lack of Afro-textured hair pieces (wigs) in the NHS have on the well-being of black women who have experienced treatment-related alopecia.

For many women undergoing cancer treatment, hair loss is one of the most visible and emotionally challenging side effects. But for Black women, finding a suitable wig is not just about aesthetics; it’s about identity, dignity, and emotional wellbeing.

In the UK, many NHS-provided wigs and those available through mainstream retailers often do not cater to Afro-textured hair. This leaves Black women with breast cancer facing additional barriers at an already difficult time:

Limited availability of natural-looking wigs in Afro and curly textures
Higher costs for wigs that match their hair type
A lack of awareness about the emotional and cultural significance of hair in Black communities

Why does This Matter?

Hair is deeply connected to self-expression, heritage, and confidence. When Black women struggle to find wigs that reflect their natural hair, it can impact their self-esteem, mental health, and sense of belonging during treatment.

What Needs to Change?

More inclusive NHS and charity provisions: ensuring wigs for all hair types are available and affordable
Greater awareness among healthcare providers: so patients are offered culturally appropriate options
Support for Black-owned wig makers and businesses: to meet the real needs of Black women facing hair loss

Cultural inclusivity in cancer care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Every woman deserves to feel like herself during treatment, no matter her hair type.

The project starts with a survey which will then lead to cultural appropriate training for those involved.

If you are a black woman who has had breast cancer, this survey is an opportunity to share your experience -How you felt during your treatment, the challenges you faced, and how we can make the journey easier. Specifically, we want to ensure that the NHS understands the importance of providing wigs, make up products and support that celebrate your identity and dignity.

Your input is invaluable and by taking part, you’re helping us amplify the voices of Black patients with cancer and ensure the care provided is inclusive, compassionate, and respectful of your unique needs. This survey has been put together with the help of a patient advocate.

We care, and together, we can inspire meaningful change.

Thank you for your time and trust.

Please click on the link to participate.”

Olubukola Ayodele: New initiative promoting culturally tailored support for Black women affected by cancer