A National Network to Advance the Field of Cancer and Female Sexuality

Abstract

Introduction Understanding sexual health issues in cancer patients is integral to care for the continuously growing cancer survivor population. Aim To create a national network of active clinicians and researchers focusing on the prevention and treatment of sexual problems in woman and girls with cancer. Methods Interdisciplinary teams from the University of Chicago and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center jointly developed the mission for a national conference to convene clinicians and researchers in the field of cancer and female sexuality. The invitee list was developed by both institutions and further iterated through suggestions from invitees. The conference agenda focused on three high-priority topics under the guidance of a professional facilitator. Breakout groups were led by attendees recognized by collaborators as experts in those topics. Conference costs were shared by both institutions. Main Outcome Measure Development of Scientific Working Groups (SWGs) Results One hundred two clinicians and researchers were invited to attend the 1st National Conference on Cancer and Female Sexuality. Forty-three individuals from 20 different institutions across 14 states attended, including representation from eight NCI-funded cancer centers. Attendees included PhD researchers (n=19), physicians (n=16), and other health care professionals (n=8). Breakout groups included: 1) Defining Key Life Course Sexuality Issues; 2) Building a Registry; and 3) Implementing Sexual Health Assessment. Breakout group summaries incorporated group consensus on key points and priorities. These generated six SWGs with volunteer leaders to accelerate future research and discovery: 1) Technology-Based Interventions; 2) Basic Science; 3) Clinical Trials; 4) Registries; 5) Measurement; and 6) Secondary Data Analysis. Most attendees volunteered for at least one SWG (n=35), and many volunteered for two (n=21). Conclusion This 1st National Conference demonstrated high motivation and broad participation to address research on cancer and female sexuality. Areas of need were identified and SWGs established to help promote research in this field.

How to ask and what to do

“…They created a brief screening checklist intended for use in the general female population in primary care settings to facilitate initial identification of sexual problems. Members of the Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer [23], a multidisciplinary working group of experts in the field of female sexual health and cancer, have adapted this brief screening checklist to be used either as a self-report checklist or as a springboard for guiding clinical conversations about treatment-related sexual problems between female cancer survivors and their healthcare providers (The checklist can be found in Figure 1 [22]).…”

Efficacy Trial of An Internet-Based Intervention for Cancer-Related Female Sexual Dysfunction

“…14,15 Fewer than 20% of sexually dysfunctional women treated for cancer seek professional help 3,16,17 and distress over sexual dysfunction ranks high in surveys of unmet needs of cancer survivors. 18,19 Only a few gynecologists and mental health professionals have expertise in managing relevant physical symptoms 20,21 or in providing evidence-based cognitive behavioral treatment. 22-24 Insurance coverage is poor, especially for mental health services.…”

Physical examination of the female cancer patient with sexual concerns: What oncologists and patients should expect from consultation with a specialist

“…Although it is essential to patient care, no standard practice for physical examination of the female with cancer and sexual function concerns has been established, and the literature is sparse on this specific topic. The Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer (the Network) was created as an interdisciplinary cooperative group in 2009 that includes behavioral and mental health professionals, educators, nurses, patients, physical therapists, physicians and surgeons (including medical, surgical, gynecologic, and radiation oncologists), and allied professionals working in the field to accelerate the evidence base and improve the consistency and quality of care for this patient population . The Network complements the important work of other groups, with which many Network members are also affiliated (Table ).…”

“…The Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer (the Network) was created as an interdisciplinary cooperative group in 2009 that includes behavioral and mental health professionals, educators, nurses, patients, physical therapists, physicians and surgeons (including medical, surgical, gynecologic, and radiation oncologists), and allied professionals working in the field to accelerate the evidence base and improve the consistency and quality of care for this patient population. 48 The Network complements the important work of other groups, with which many Network members are also affiliated ( Table 1). Oncologists who refer to or seek to support the development of a specialized practice for cancer and female sexuality can find assistance and education from these organizations and should expect specialists in the field to be affiliated with one or more of these or similar professional groups.…”