'It's everybody's business': a multi-method study to co-develop and evaluate a web-based interprofessional Sexual Function Intimacy Concerns after Cancer educational programme (SexFICC) to upskill cancer healthcare providers.

Authors

Claudia Rutherford, Mary Hayes, Sharon De Graves, Jacqueline G Bloomfield, Horas Wong, Linda Taoube, Shannon Philp, Tamara Power, Kathe Holmes, Kyleigh Smith, Michelle Barrett, Donna Cowan, Sarah Weller, Kate White

Published in

BMJ open. Volume 16. Issue 10. Pages e121117. Oct 06, 2026. Epub Oct 06, 2026.

Abstract

With improved survival rates, there is a growing population of cancer survivors who experience sexual health concerns following cancer treatment. These are widely recognised sequelae of cancer and cancer treatment, negatively impacting intimate relationships and quality of life. At least 40% (up to 100%) of people affected by cancer report concerns in this area. However, despite being well documented long-term challenges, they remain largely unaddressed by healthcare teams leading to further deterioration in sexual health. Healthcare providers identify this as an important quality of life issue; however, this does not translate into action. Barriers identified by healthcare providers include lack of knowledge, comfort and confidence, misconception of limited interventions and referral pathways available, and considerations regarding how to raise and discuss this topic. Coordinated systematic approaches for assessment and management of SFI concerns are lacking. The SexFICC Programme will address these gaps. SexFICC is an educational programme designed to improve sexual health outcomes in people affected by cancer by upskilling the cancer workforce in detecting and managing these issues throughout the cancer experience. No such training currently exists in the Australian context.
A multi-phase mixed-methods design will be employed. Through co-design with key stakeholders (anticipated n=40), we will co-develop, user test (n=10 participants), evaluate (minimum n=50) and disseminate a clinically integrated education programme aimed at increasing knowledge, confidence and skills in addressing sexual health concerns with anticipated positive changes on practice. The programme will include an educational course and practical evidence-based resources for cancer healthcare providers and approaches to address sexual health unmet needs in all people affected by cancer, with a unique focus on identified priority populations. This programme is informed by overwhelming evidence demonstrating major gaps in health services designed for detecting and managing sexual health-related issues; priorities for people affected by cancer, healthcare providers and policy makers.
Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Sydney Human Ethics Committee (Study Protocol #2025/HE001690). Results will be published in appropriate peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences, disseminated to participants in the form of a plain language summary and widely disseminated to consumer and professional stakeholders.

PMID:
42838590
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 07 Oct 2026.

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