|  | Letter from the Chair
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I am writing to you during a time of transition in the seasons, as the trees have lost all their multi-colored leaves, and the weather has turned cooler in many parts of the country. It is also a time for exciting transitions at the Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer, as we look ahead to the new year to welcome incoming officers Shari Damast (Treasurer) and Kelly Shaffer (Secretary) and new members of our Board of Directors. I also want to express my deepest gratitude for the service of our outgoing officers, Shari Goldfarb and Anuja Jhingran, as well as our outgoing Board members, who have made an indelible contribution to our organization and led us to where we are today. I thank Marloe Esch and the rest of the Newsletter Committee for working so hard – as usual – to ensure a highly informative newsletter. This newsletter includes coverage of our upcoming conference, a Member Spotlight on the newest Newsletter Committee member Kelly Scherger, coverage of new oncosexual health programs led by our members, and much more.
Last month at our Annual Members’ Meeting, I described the exciting work completed this year by our Network officers and members to help us work toward our mission, including offering rigorous educational talks like the webinar on mindfulness interventions offered this past September by Lori Brotto, PhD. I also reviewed exciting new efforts from this past year which helped us shore up the Network as we position to achieve our future goals. I am delighted to say that we successfully completed a project with AstraZeneca to help create patient-facing educational content on key topic areas on sexual health for female cancer survivors. This project, spearheaded by Immediate Past Chair Sharon Bober and myself, allowed us to bolster the Network’s financial status while also supporting the mission of the Network by increasing the availability of evidence-based educational materials for female cancer survivors.
Some of you may remember the 2019 Network conference held at The Ohio State University, which was our last in-person conference prior to the pandemic. That meeting was such a success that we thought we had to return post-pandemic and do it again! The Scientific Program Committee, under the leadership of Kristen Carpenter and Allison Quick, is hard at work planning the 9th Annual Conference, which will be held this coming April 18-19, 2024, at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I am so excited about this conference because it will include not only fantastic speakers but also interesting panel discussions on critical topics in the field, cutting-edge scientific and clinical presentations, and, of course, ample opportunities for networking. (Networking is in our name, after all!)
This year also marks the first time that the Network promoted a #GivingTuesday campaign to support two travel scholarships for our Spring conference. If you gave to this campaign to support these efforts, we are so grateful to you, and if you have not yet donated to the Network, it isn’t too late to make your end-of-year donations to support our work at the Network. You can donate at any time to the Network on our website. We are so thankful to those who have supported our efforts at the Network and are making it possible for new members and trainees to attend our conference.
As I am sure many of you share my joy and enthusiasm about our many endeavors at the Network, it is difficult not to also acknowledge the massive darkness so many of us feel as we look to the events unfolding in the world around us. I want to acknowledge that this is a time of immense suffering and upheaval for many of our members and a time when many of us struggle with feelings of helplessness in the face of tremendous tragedy and violence. As an organization committed to promoting the sexual well-being of women and girls, we are appalled at reports of despicable sexual violence committed against women and girls and vehemently denounce such violence at any time for any reason, whether in times of war or peace. I know that we all hope for a peaceful resolution to the events in the world and I sincerely hope for the safety and well-being of all our members and the world at large. From all of us at the Network, I thank you for your membership in the Network and wish you a safe and healthy season and new year.
All my best, Jennifer Barsky Reese, PhD |  |
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|  | Register Now!
Mark your calendars! The 9th Conference of the Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health & Cancer, titled Shaping the Future of Female Oncosexual Health Together, will be taking place at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, April 18-19, 2024.
We are excited to announce the following confirmed speakers, with more to come! Dr. Deborah Marshall will be speaking on Sexual Function Outcomes in Female and Gender-Expansive Cancer: Survivors through the Lens of Functional Anatomy Dr. Noel Arring will be speaking on Developing and Testing Pharmaceutical and Mind-Body Interventions to Improve Sexual Health in Female Post-Treatment Cancer Survivors Dr. Sharon Parish will be speaking on the Assessment and Management of Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Genitourinary Sexual Syndromes Throughout Cancer Survivorship An expert panel discussion on Advances in Sexual Healthcare for Gender and Sexual Minorities is planned And much more, including paper sessions, poster sessions, and networking sessions!
Don’t forget to submit your abstract by December 21!
Visit the Scientific Network website for information on abstract submission, registration, accommodations, and to check out the most up-to-date program for the conference. | | New Scientific Network Travel Scholarship
The Scientific Network is pleased to announce the availability of two travel scholarships to support attendance at the 2024 Annual Conference in Columbus, OH. One scholarship is available for a trainee, and another for an attendee who does not have institutional support for conference attendance. Each scholarship will cover meeting registration, plus transportation to the meeting, hotel, and meals up to a maximum of $1,000. Scientific Network membership is not required to apply. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2024. | | New Scientific Network Board Members |
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| |  | Marloe Esch, BSN, RN, OCN |
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| |  | Christina Wilson, PhD, CRNP, WHNP-BC |
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|  | Group Mindfulness Versus Online Group Supportive Sex Therapy for Breast Cancer Survivors with Sexual Dysfunction | Webinar HighlightsThe Network’s Fall Webinar on September 21 featured Dr. Lori Brotto, who presented new data from her recently completed study on an 8-session group mindfulness intervention for sexual well-being in individuals with breast cancer. The study compared a group educational intervention with a group mindfulness intervention. Both were found to be effective in decreasing sexual distress and improving desire. The study evaluated the impact of the interventions on vulvovaginal pain, rumination about sex, interoceptive awareness, emotional awareness, and self-regulation. Rumination and mindfulness improved in both groups and benefits were retained at 6 months. Interviews with study participants indicated that one of the most meaningful components was simply being a part of the group. Getting support and fellowship from people in similar circumstances leads to "group magic," as Dr. Brotto called it.
Of the 132 people registered, the Network's multidisciplinary community was well represented by psychologists, nurses, nurse educators, physicians, researchers, patient advocates, physical therapists, and others. Dr. Brotto’s presentation was very well received. As one of the webinar participants summed up well: "She is a rock star. Thank you!" We agree!
Please share your ideas for future educational webinars by emailing info@cancersexnetwork.org. Carol Kuhle and Pebble Kranz are working on webinars for next fall. We have some great ideas in the hopper but keep the suggestions coming!
P.S. Don't forget that one of your benefits as a Scientific Network member is on-demand access to the recordings of all our educational webinars. You can find the recording of Dr. Brotto’s presentation by signing into the membership portal at our website. | |
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| Clinical Resource Spotlight
Speaking of the incomparable Dr. Lori Brotto, her website offers some amazing clinical resources, including several mindfulness recordings that can be accessed for free by patients and providers. Available meditations include Body Scan (for Women), Gender Neutral Body Scan, Sexual Sensations Awareness Meditation, Pleasurable Sensations Meditation, and more. Check them out! |
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| | Title: Characteristics of Female Sexual Health Programs and Providers in the United States
Published August 2022 in Journal of Sexual Medicine, this study by Stanley and Pope remains relevant and informative to the Scientific Network and its members as it provides an overview of female sexual medicine clinics and providers in the US. A comprehensive search using both Google and the ISSWSH provider database was completed by the authors to identify female sexual health programs and clinics in the US whose websites were then analyzed to determine services offered, locations, settings, and providers’ training.
The authors found that there are approximately 235 clinics around the US that are focusing on female sexual healthcare. Of these, only 17% were in an academic medical setting, whereas 83% were in private, community, or other settings. Non-academic settings were significantly more likely to offer aesthetics services like protein-rich plasma injections and/or laser therapies. Of all identified clinics, less than a quarter focused solely on sexual healthcare, and only 2% offered care specific to those with cancer.
In addition to the type of clinics, the authors examined the provider type and clinic locations. They excluded clinics that were solely staffed by psychologists, counselors, or physical therapists. Of the remaining clinics, the majority were staffed predominately by Ob/Gyn physicians, followed by advanced practice providers (including nurse practitioners and physician assistants). Other physician specialties were also represented, as well as other interdisciplinary team members housed within these clinics. Of these clinics, the majority were located in Texas, California, and Florida respectively, while nine states did not have any practices offering female sexual health programs.
Authors conclude that barriers to accessing evidence-based sexual health care for women in the US include the geographic distribution of clinics and the number of clinics offering treatments considered investigational. Increasing the availability of clinics in academic settings could address these barriers by supporting evidence-based care and facilitating the training of new providers. | Member SpotlightKelly Scherger, PhD
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I’m a clinical health psychologist currently living in Charlotte, NC, with my amazing husband, one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, and two dogs. I was born in New Hampshire and grew up in Florida. I got my PhD from East Carolina University, completed my predoctoral internship at the James H. Quillen VAMC, and postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric hematology oncology at Levine Children’s Hospital.
Where do you work and what is the focus of your research and/or clinical practice?
I work at Levine Cancer Institute (Atrium Health) in Charlotte, NC. I am the clinical lead of our new/developing Sexual Health Clinic within Levine Cancer Institute. Clinically, I see individuals and couples with sexual health concerns related to cancer or cancer treatment. I am also hoping to develop meaningful research on effective interventions through this growing sexual health clinic.
How long have you been a member of the Network? I just joined this year!
What do you find meaningful and/or how have you benefited from Network membership? It has been amazing to connect with Network members from a variety of disciplines and settings. I also greatly enjoyed Dr. Lori Brotto’s talk, as it is so relevant to my work! I’m looking forward to continuing to connect with more Network members in the future.
What is an interesting fact about you, or what is your favorite hobby? Not sure if this is about me, my late grandmother was a psychologist and sex therapist – she inspired me to pursue psychology and sexual health! | New and NoteworthyThe Scientific Network’s newly revised mission is to accelerate rigorous science, promote evidence-based education and practice, and foster networking and collaboration.
Join us in this mission by becoming a member or renewing your membership for 2024. We are excited for the future of this organization and we are looking forward to fulfilling our vision of creating a world where all women and girls affected by cancer will have access to evidence-based education and care to promote their sexual well-being and optimize sexual outcomes!
Celebrating Members’ Contributions to Building Oncosexual Health Programs Across the Country
As the article featured in this issue’s Research Spotlight underscored, we know that high-quality, evidence-based sexual health services for female cancer populations are sorely needed across the country. Many of our Network members have been involved in the recent implementation or current development of an oncology sexual health program within their organization, and we would like to highlight and celebrate their strides in closing this gap in care and improving access to oncology-specific sexual health services for survivors!
Jutta Deininger, DNP, WHNP-BC, is part of a multidisciplinary team with the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Sexual Health Program in Milwaukee, WI. This program began providing services in 2023 and continues to grow. Nicole Dreibelbis, CRNP, WHNP-BC, started an Oncology Sexual Health clinic in central PA for vulva-owning patients in April 2023, and would love to connect by phone (610.675.4824) or email (dreibelbisn2@upmc.edu) with any members who are interested in networking. Kelly Scherger, PhD, is the clinical lead of a small Sexual Health Clinic multidisciplinary team within Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, NC. The clinic has been in a “soft launch” phase in 2023, with hopes of expanding to a full launch phase in 2024. She would love to connect with members interested in networking via email at kelly.scherger@atriumhealth.org.
If you are doing this great work as well, we’d love to hear from you! Please email info@cancersexnetwork.org to have your program or clinic featured in an upcoming newsletter. Educational Opportunity Immediate Past Chair of the Scientific Network Dr. Sharon Bober recently presented a webinar titled Sexual Health and AYA-O Care for AYA-O POWER, a program designed to provide oncology trainees with education and resources to improve care delivery and outcomes for AYAs diagnosed with cancer. A recording of the presentation is available and can be accessed for free here.
Scientific Network Annual Meeting of Members If you missed the State of the Network Annual Meeting of Members on November 16, never fear! You will have access to the PowerPoint and Meeting Minutes in the membership portal of the Scientific Network Website. The meeting agenda items included an end-of-year financial overview, a membership overview, and a celebration of all of the hard work that the Outreach, Newsletter, Education, and Scientific Committees have been involved with this past year to keep our organization rolling and relevant to the needs of our members. The future of the Scientific Network is looking bright!
Member Publications Svetlana Avulova and colleagues published Why has sexuality research in women with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy been ignored for so long? in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Denise Nebgen, Sharon Bober and colleagues published Care after premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in high-risk women: Scoping review and international consensus recommendations in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Jennifer Reese, Sharon Bober, and colleagues published Starting the conversation: Randomized pilot trial of an intervention to promote effective clinical communication about sexual health for gynecologic cancer survivors in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice.
Natasha Frederick, Kristen Carpenter and colleagues published Psychosexual functioning in cancer survivorship: What the pediatric oncologist needs to know in Pediatric Blood & Cancer.
Christine Chin and Shari Damast published Brachytherapy impacts on sexual function: An integrative review of the literature focusing on cervical cancer in Brachytherapy.
Monica Christmas published It is time to standardize menopause curriculum in residency in Menopause.
Monica Christmas and colleagues published Menopause hormone therapy and urinary symptoms: A systematic review in Menopause.
Helen Coons and colleagues published Characterizing informational needs and information seeking behavior of patients with breast cancer in American Journal of Surgery.
Natasha Frederick and colleagues published Pediatric, adolescent, and young adult breast cand reproductive tumors in Pediatric Blood & Cancer.
Shari Goldfarb and colleagues published A prospective longitudinal analysis of the predictors of amenorrhea after breast cancer chemotherapy: Impact of BRCA pathogenic variants in Cancer Medicine.
Jenna Demedis and colleagues published Examining decisional needs and contextual factors influencing fertility status assessment among young female cancer survivors of childhood cancer: A sequential mixed methods study protocol in PloS One.
Jenna Demedis, Natasha Frederick and colleagues published Sexual health in adolescents and young adults with cancer in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Pebble Kranz and colleagues published Responding flexibly to the complex problem of chronic pelvic pain: Incorporating patient needs into program development in Families, Systems, & Health.
Carol Kuhle, Jennifer Vencill and colleagues published Sexual dysfunction in patients with metastatic breast cancer in Clinical Breast Cancer.
Lori Seaborne, David Kushner and colleagues published Sexual Health Assessment in Women with Lung Cancer study: Sexual health assessment in women with lung cancer in Cancer.
Deborah Marshall and colleagues published A qualitative analysis of female patient perspectives on physician communication regarding sexual dysfunction associated with pelvic radiotherapy in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Deborah Marshall and colleagues published Gender-affirming surgery and cancer: Considerations for radiation oncologists for pelvic radiation in transfeminine patients in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics.
Victoria Pohl and colleagues published Female reproductive health in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors in Pediatric Blood & Cancer.
Jennifer Reese and colleagues published Clinical practice strategies to address sexual health in female cancer survivors in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Christina Wilson published The integration of both practice and research into gynecologic oncology nursing in Nursing for Women’s Health.
Christina Wilson and a colleague published How can a trauma-informed care approach be used in gynecologic cancer patients who are traumatized by their treatment? in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing.
| Upcoming Related Meetings
16th Breast Gynecological International Cancer Conference
January 18-19, Cairo, Egypt
https://bgicc.net/ 2024 AASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium
January 25-27, San Francisco, CA, USA https://conferences.asco.org/gu/attend
ISSWSH Annual Meeting 2024
February 22-25, Long Beach, CA, USA https://www.isswshmeeting.org/ SGM Cancer CARE Workshop 2024
February 29-March 2, Houston, TX, USA https://bngap.org/sgm-cancer-care-workshop/
AUA Annual Meeting 2024
May 3-6, San Antonio, TX, USA https://www.auanet.org/AUA2024 17th Congress of the European Federation of Sexology
May 23-26, Bologna, Italy https://europeansexologycongress.org/ 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting
May 31 to June 4, Chicago, IL, USA https://conferences.asco.org/am/attend | Welcome New Members
Caroline Dorman, PhD, Durham, NC (Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University)
Aliza Leiser, MD, New Brunswick, NJ (Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey)
Tara Rick, PhD, MPAS, PA-C, St. Paul, MN (University of Minnesota Physicians)
Michele Larzelere, PhD, New Orleans, LA (Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center)
Lucy Finkelstein-Fox, PhD, Boston, MA (Massachusetts General Hospital)
Chiara Acquati, PhD, LMSW, FAOSW, Houston, TX (University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work)
Beth Matthews, MSN, RN, OCN, Asheville, NC (Sarah Cannon/Mission Health Navigation)
Noel Arring, DNP, PhD, RN, Knoxville, TN (Univeristy of Tennesee, College of Nursing)
Tiffany Telverton, Long Beach, CA (Entice Me Soirees, Inc.) | | | |
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