Evaluating disparities in counseling and resources for chemotherapy-induced hair loss: qualitative analysis of a survey-based approach.
4 affiliations
- 1The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
- 2Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- 3Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- 4Department of Dermatology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 540 Officenter Place, Suite 240, Columbus, OH, 43230, USA. [email protected].
Abstract
Purpose
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a distressing side effect of cancer treatment that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Despite the availability of interventions such as scalp cooling and topical treatments, many patients report inadequate counseling and limited access to these resources. This study aimed to evaluate disparities in CIA-related counseling and resource access, with particular attention to how socioeconomic and demographic factors shape the patient experience.Methods
We conducted a mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey study of 101 adults who had received chemotherapy and experienced hair loss. Participants were recruited through online cancer support networks. Thematic analysis was performed on open-ended responses to identify key patient-reported themes.Results
Thematic analysis revealed 11 key patient-identified themes, including emotional distress, provider influence, financial barriers, and a strong desire for autonomy in decision-making.Conclusion
This study highlights substantial gaps in CIA-related counseling and access, with disparities influenced by employment, income, and education. Early, empathetic, and comprehensive counseling plays a pivotal role in patient satisfaction and access to care. Standardizing CIA education and improving resource availability may help reduce inequities and improve patient outcomes.
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BibTeX
@article{kaufman2026evaluating,
title = {{Evaluating disparities in counseling and resources for chemotherapy-induced hair loss: qualitative analysis of a survey-based approach.}},
author = {Lily Kaufman and Aliza Khuhro and Lilia Valentic and Randall Harris and Philip Binkley and Brittany Dulmage},
journal = {Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1007/s00520-026-11377-4},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42911279},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Evaluating disparities in counseling and resources for chemotherapy-induced hair loss: qualitative analysis of a survey-based approach.
AU - Lily Kaufman
AU - Aliza Khuhro
AU - Lilia Valentic
AU - Randall Harris
AU - Philip Binkley
AU - Brittany Dulmage
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/22
JO - Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
DO - 10.1007/s00520-026-11377-4
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42911279
AB - Purpose Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a distressing side effect of cancer treatment that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Despite the availability of interventions such as scalp cooling and topical treatments, many patients report inadequate counseling and limited access to these resources. This study aimed to evaluate disparities in CIA-related counseling and resource access, with particular attention to how socioeconomic and demographic factors shape the patient experience.Methods We conducted a mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey study of 101 adults who had received chemotherapy and experienced hair loss. Participants were recruited through online cancer support networks. Thematic analysis was performed on open-ended responses to identify key patient-reported themes.Results Thematic analysis revealed 11 key patient-identified themes, including emotional distress, provider influence, financial barriers, and a strong desire for autonomy in decision-making.Conclusion This study highlights substantial gaps in CIA-related counseling and access, with disparities influenced by employment, income, and education. Early, empathetic, and comprehensive counseling plays a pivotal role in patient satisfaction and access to care. Standardizing CIA education and improving resource availability may help reduce inequities and improve patient outcomes.
SN - 0941-4355
SN - 1433-7339
ER -