JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Sexual health remains an underaddressed aspect of cancer care, particularly for breast and gynecological cancer survivors. In Colombia, challenges such as treatment side effects, cultural stigma, and limited training among healthcare providers continue to affect their well-being. Although international guidelines promote patient-centered, culturally sensitive approaches, few interventions have been effectively implemented in low- and middle-income contexts.

Objective:

To describe the design of the EDUSEXONCO intervention, a mixed-methods educational program aimed at improving sexual health and quality of life among breast and gynecological cancer survivors.

Methods:

This is a mixed-methods study conducted at a university hospital in Colombia. It includes adult women who are breast or gynecological cancer survivors and have completed treatment at least two years prior to enrollment. The EDUSEXONCO intervention combines tiered educational workshops, semi-structured group interviews, and individualized counseling. Sexual function and quality of life are assessed using the FSFI and EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires. Qualitative data explore perceptions, barriers, and facilitators related to sexuality and well-being.

Results:

The study was funded in December 2024 and approved by the institutional ethics committee. Recruitment began in March 2025 and is expected to conclude in September 2025. As of July 2025, 32 participants have been enrolled (20% breast and 80% gynecological cancer survivors). Preliminary observations indicated that conducting the three workshops as full-day sessions posed adherence challenges; this aspect will continue to be monitored to ensure alignment with the approved protocol. Final data analysis is planned for October 2025, with results expected to be published in December 2025.

Conclusions:

This protocol anticipates that EDUSEXONCO will enhance sexual function, communication, and quality of life among breast and gynecological cancer survivors, aligning with existing evidence on the effectiveness of culturally sensitive psychoeducational interventions. The study aims to generate evidence on the feasibility and acceptability of a co-designed, context-adapted model, with the potential to inform sustainable integration of sexual health into survivorship care and guide future practice in low- and middle-income settings.