Network Accomplishments

Initial Scientific Work Groups (SWGs)

The SWGs were borne of priority focus areas for further research and discovery with the development of the Network. Initial year goals outlined at the Strategic Planning meeting prioritized multi-institutional collaboration, standardized patient care and increased recognition and awareness. Past Writing Groups were formed to achieve these goals. Long-term goals prioritized standardized data collection and sustainability of the Network and continue in working groups today.

Past Collaborative Writing Groups (CWGs)

The CWGs were developed to produce scholarly products that contribute to the evidence-base for care for women with cancer and sexual concerns on a timeline that reflects their term. These CWGs were developed in alignment with the goals of the SWGs. The CWGs were created based on major research topics: 1) standardized guidelines of sexual health care for women with cancer, and 2) standard sexual health physical exam practices for women with cancer, and 3) review of measures used to assess sexual function/ dysfunction with female cancer patients/ and survivors.

The first group, led by Sharon Bober, PhD, and Jeanne Carter, PhD, developed Novice Guidelines for the Clinical Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction.

Bober SL, Reese JB, Barbera L, et al. How to ask and what to do: a guide for clinical inquiry and intervention regarding female sexual health after cancer.  Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. 2016;10(1):44-54.

The second group, led by Bethanee Schlosser, MD, and Stacy Lindau, MD, MAPP,  produced consensus recommendations on the systematic physical examination to advance evidence-based care for sexual function concerns in women with cancer.

Lindau ST, Abramsohn EM, Baron SR, et al. Physical examination of the female cancer patient with sexual concerns: what oncologists and patients should expect from consultation with a specialist. CA Cancer J Clin. 2016;66(3):241-263.

The third writing group, led by Kathryn Flynn, PhD, and Diana Jeffery, PhD) conducted a meta-analysis and published a preview of the measures used to ascertain sexual symptoms and concerns among women with cancer.

Jeffery DD, Barbera L, Andersen BL, et al. Self-reported sexual function measures administered to female cancer patients: A systematic review, 2008-2014.  J Psychosoc Oncol.  2015;33(4):433-466.