RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

eSense-Cancer: Adapting an Online Intervention for Sexual Health Concerns to Gynecologic Cancer

This study is testing an online program called eSense-Cancer, designed to help people who have had gynaecological cancer and are struggling with their sexual health. Many survivors of gynaecological cancers don't have enough information or support for these issues, especially those in remote areas or facing other challenges. The eSense-Cancer program offers online therapy, delivered as either CBT (a type of talking therapy) or MBT (another similar therapy), with some people also getting extra support from a 'navigator'. Researchers want to find out how well this online tool works and if it helps people feel better. If successful, it could make it easier for many more people to get the support they need for sexual health concerns after gynaecological cancer.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2026

Gynecologic Cancers

What is this study about?

When someone has had gynaecological cancer, it can affect many parts of their life, including their sexual health. Feeling good about your sexual health is an important part of recovery and living well after cancer. However, many people who have been through gynaecological cancer don't get all the information or support they need regarding how cancer impacts their sexual well-being.

This study, called eSense-Cancer, is looking into whether an online program can help. The program is designed to be a type of online therapy that focuses on sexual health worries after gynaecological cancer. The main goal is to see if this online tool can successfully address these concerns and make it easier for people to get help. This is especially important for those who might live far from healthcare services, have difficulties with transport, or face other reasons why it's hard to get face-to-face support. The study also hopes to reach people from different backgrounds, including those with various ethnicities, sexual orientations, social situations, and genders.

The researchers want to check two things: how useful and easy the online program is to use, and how effective it is in improving people's sexual health. If it works well, it could be a really helpful way for many more gynaecological cancer survivors to access the support they need to feel better about their sexual health.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new online program for sexual health concerns after gynaecological cancer.
It aims to make support more accessible, especially for those in remote areas.
The program involves online therapy (CBT or MBT) delivered over 8-16 weeks.
Some participants will also receive extra support from a 'navigator'.
It's open to people of any gender who have had gynaecological cancer and are experiencing sexual difficulties.
Your participation could help improve care for future cancer survivors.

Who may be eligible?

This study is designed for people who have had gynaecological cancer at any point in their lives and are currently experiencing sexual difficulties. You'll need to be able to read and understand English, as the online program is in English. You also need to have reliable internet access and feel comfortable using online websites and tools.

To join, you should be available for about 8 to 16 weeks to complete the online program modules and questionnaires. The study is open to people of any gender who have experienced gynaecological cancer.

You cannot take part if you have serious visual problems that would make it hard to use online materials, or if you're currently having active cancer treatment like chemotherapy, radiation, or planned surgeries. Also, if you have severe anxiety or a mood disorder that isn't well controlled and significantly affects your daily life, you might not be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I had gynaecological cancer at some point?
Am I experiencing difficulties with my sexual health?
Do I have reliable internet access and feel comfortable using online tools?
Can I commit to 8-16 weeks for the program and questionnaires?
Am I fluent in English?
Am I currently free from active cancer treatment (like chemotherapy or radiation)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first answer some questionnaires about your background and sexual health. Then, there will be a four-week waiting period. After this, you'll complete another set of questionnaires. At this point, you'll be randomly assigned to one of four groups – like drawing lots – where you'll either receive one type of online therapy (CBT) or another (MBT), with or without extra support from a helper called a 'navigator'.

The entire online program will take between 8 and 16 weeks to complete. You'll get access to the eSense-Cancer program online and will work through one module (a section of the program) each week or every two weeks, at a time that suits you. After each module, you'll fill out a short questionnaire about how easy or useful that module was.

If you're in a group with a 'navigator', you'll have an initial quick chat with them, lasting 15-30 minutes, over an online meeting tool like Zoom. After each module you complete, you'll schedule a 15-25 minute meeting with your navigator. In these meetings, you can discuss any questions or concerns you have about the eSense-Cancer program.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially be beneficial if the eSense-Cancer program helps you address your sexual health concerns after gynaecological cancer. It might also make it easier for you to access support that you might not otherwise get. As with any study involving personal and emotional topics, there might be some emotional discomfort when discussing sexual health or thinking about your experiences. Researchers will do their best to make sure this is managed sensitively. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University of British Columbia
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of cancer is this study for?

This study is for people who have had any type of gynaecological cancer.

What does 'online intervention' mean?

It means the help and support are delivered through an internet program, so you can access it from your computer or tablet.

What is a 'navigator'?

A navigator is a person who offers extra support and guidance as you go through the online program, checking in with you regularly.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study program itself will take between 8 and 16 weeks to complete.

Do I need special computer skills?

You need to have reliable internet and feel comfortable using online platforms, but you don't need advanced computer skills.

How to find out more

Nisha Marshall, MSc

nisha.marshall@cw.bc.ca 6048754111 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.