Wig Service and Hair Loss Support

This leaflet is for anybody looking for support with cancer related hair loss whilst undergoing NHS treatment at Cambridge University Hospitals

Some cancer treatments can cause hair loss. The CUH Cancer Support Service hold information about wigs, hats, scarves and scalp care to help you deal with hair loss. There are many organisations that can help and many options available to suit you - the team are happy to help find the right one for you.

Wigs

If you think you would like to wear a wig, it is a good idea to get one before you start treatment. This means:

• It is easier to match the wig to your own hair colour and style.
• You can get used to wearing it before your hair starts to fall out.
• It will be ready in case you lose your hair earlier or more quickly than expected.
• You may be entitled to a free or subsidised wig.

Wig Entitlement

Patients who meet the criteria below are entitled to a free NHS modacrylic wig. Patients who do not meet the criteria below must pay the current NHS prescription charge of £80.15. Cambridge University Hospitals will subsidise the difference in cost of an acrylic wig from the Trust’s approved supplier via referral. If you wish to purchase a wig or products that is greater value, then the difference must be paid directly to the supplier.

You’re entitled to a free NHS wig if you are:

• Under 16.
• 16 to 18 and in full-time education.
• A hospital inpatient.
• A war pensioner and the wig or fabric support is for your accepted disablement, and you have a valid war pension exemption certificate.

You can also get free wigs and fabric support if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

• Income Support.
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.

Universal Credit and meet the criteria (opens in a new tab) (you can use the NHS Business Services Authority website to check if you can get help with health costs (opens in a new tab))

You can also get free wigs and fabric support if you're entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2) – people named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.

If you pay for NHS wigs or fabric support and later find out that you’re entitled to help with those costs, you can claim a refund. You must make your refund claim within three months of paying charges.

Download and print the HC5(W) form on the NHSBSA website to claim a refund. The form tells you what to do. There is also a guide to help you complete the form.

Wig Referral

Patients must be able to provide proof of continuing entitlement to benefits at their first wig appointment.

Patients experiencing temporary hair loss from cancer treatment are entitled to one modacrylic wig per year whilst on treatment.

Your treating team, Navigator or Cancer Support Advisor would be happy to make a wig referral for you.

Your details will be passed to our approved supplier who will contact you to make an appointment. You can attend their Salon, located in Ware Hertfordshire or you may attend an appointment with them on the hospital site.

You can expect to be called within 1 week from referral.

All prescription charges and additional payments can be made directly to the supplier at your appointment. Remember to bring proof of entitlement if needed.

Hats and Headwear

Some people prefer to only wear a head covering or hat, and some people prefer to remove the wig once at home.

Your scalp may be more sensitive to cold, windy or sunny weather. If you are used to having a full head of hair, your head may feel cold even when you are at home.

There are different options for keeping your head warm or protected. For example, you can wear a hat, turban, baseball cap, bandana, or headscarf. The Cancer Support Team and Maggie’s Cancer Centre located on site, have samples for you to view and try and can help signpost you to companies who can provide these.

Contacts/Further information

Cancer Support Service

Click here for CUH Cancer Support Service webpage

01223 274801

Maggies

Click here for Maggies website

Cambridge Cancer Help Centre

Click here for Cambridge Cancer Help Centre Website