SexFICC: It’s everybody’s business: Improving conversations about sexual health in cancer care
Sexual health is an important part of wellbeing and quality of life, but it is often overlooked in cancer care. To help healthcare professionals confidently address concerns about sexual function, intimacy and relationships, researchers from the Cancer Care Research Unit at the University of Sydney partnered with the VCCC Alliance to develop the free online Sexual Health and Cancer Course.
Co-designed with people affected by cancer and healthcare professionals, the course provides practical, evidence-based learning through case scenarios, reflective activities, AI-simulated patient conversations and supporting resources. Inclusivity is central to the course, with perspectives from LGBTIQ+ communities, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people across different ages and life stages. The course equips healthcare professionals to provide more inclusive, holistic and person-centred cancer care. Healthcare professionals can access the course for free through the VCCC Alliance Centre for Cancer Education. Access the SexFICC course.
WISER Initiative – women’s sexual health and awareness in cancer
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The Women’s Initiative for Sexual Health, Education and Raising Awareness of Anal Cancer (WISER) is a national research program designed to improve supportive care for women undergoing treatment for anal cancer. Conducted across 11 cancer centres in five Australian states, WISER aims to better address the impacts of treatment on sexual health, intimacy, relationships, emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
At the heart of the study is the WISER booklet, co-designed by women with lived experience of anal cancer and healthcare professionals from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Combining research evidence, patient experiences and clinical expertise, the resource provides practical information, self-management strategies and questions to support conversations with healthcare teams, helping women navigate treatment and recovery with greater confidence.