Resources to normalize sexual health in a cancer care setting
Cancer survival rates are increasing every year, and so are the number of survivors left to face the sexual health side effects their cancer caused. We need to change that.
Focused on patient Advocacy
The After Cancer Story
After Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission that all patients impacted by cancer will receive screening for sexual health side effects as part of their care. Started as a collaboration with oncology clinicians and experts in sexual health medicine, the organization now provides educational programs for healthcare professionals and care team members on addressing the issues of their patients.
Be a part of the change
The All of Me Project
Through grants from the ICC After Cancer created the All of Me project training program. From diagnosis to survivorship, All of me aims to prioritize sexual health in oncology care and improve the quality of life for all those affected by cancer. All of Me implements a framework of normalizing the conversation, setting patient expectations, and referring patients timely. Our training programs are built on these three principles.
Patient Support Resources
Let’s Inspire Change
Cancer patients have been suffering in silence when it comes to sexual health issues after treatment. They are in need of anticipatory guidance, but the topic of sexual health is seldom addressed. After Cancer offers a training course for Advanced Practice Providers to address and screen for sexual health side effects caused by cancer or its treatment. The 14.25-hour accredited course also provides a library of educational handouts for your patients to assist in navigating the challenges related to intimacy.
“As an ARNP working in Urology and a Multidisciplinary Prostate Cancer Survivorship program, I see a variety of patients with concerns directly related to their cancer treatment including breast, colorectal and prostate cancer patients. The most valuable concept from the After Cancer course is the importance of screening for sexual health concerns. I have effectively incorporated the 30 Second Message into my visits in all patients with a history of cancer. The course has also provided me with therapeutic communication techniques to discuss sensitive topics and provide effective treatment options as well. I highly recommend this course to other providers caring for patients with a history of or current diagnosis of cancer.”
Sarah Norris, ARNP
Mercy Urology Clinic
“Erin’s presentation, which I had the pleasure of experiencing at a recent gathering of nurse practitioners from across Iowa, left an indelible mark on me and my colleagues. Her candid discussion about her own sexual health journey served as a poignant reminder of the significant gaps in care that persist within the medical community, particularly concerning the delicate topic of sexual health in cancer survivors.”
Larry Newman, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC
University of Iowa
“Erin presented at our community cancer survivorship event and oncology nursing conference. Both presentations were engaging and meaningful. She provided her personal story, as well as education during both sessions. Her presentation to community members focused on normalizing patient experiences and assisting in conversations with the healthcare team. During her nursing presentation, she assisted staff in developing their own 30-second message to initiate sexual health conversations with patients. Erin was professional, well organized, and easy to work with. I would highly recommend her for both patient and healthcare professional education.”
Michelle Reichert, MSN, RN, CNL, OCN
William R. Bliss Cancer Center
