An online program to improve sexual health for young female cancer survivors
Official title: Sexual Health and Rehabilitation (SHARE): An Online Educational Intervention for Young Adult Female Cancer Survivors
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11046581 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing an online program called SHARE to help young women who are cancer survivors and are dealing with sexual health issues after treatment, by teaching them helpful skills in a friendly and supportive way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $213,672 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA279278-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046581 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adult women who have survived cancer and are experiencing sexual dysfunction related to their treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not cancer survivors or those who do not experience sexual dysfunction as a result of their treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an online educational intervention called SHARE, aimed at helping young female cancer survivors who experience sexual dysfunction as a result of their cancer treatment. The program combines sexual rehabilitation techniques with mindfulness and body awareness training, allowing participants to learn and practice skills in a supportive online environment. By adapting a previously successful in-person intervention to an online format, the research seeks to make this vital support accessible to more women who may struggle with sexual health issues post-cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the sexual health and overall quality of life for young female cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot trials of the SHARE intervention have shown success in reducing sexual dysfunction and psychological distress, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bober, Sharon L. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Bober, Sharon L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
A new device to help female cancer survivors with pelvic pain and painful intercourse
This study is testing a new device to help female cancer survivors who have ongoing pelvic pain and discomfort during intimacy, making it easier and more comfortable for them to manage their symptoms.
-
Telehealth exercise program to help rural breast cancer survivors fight fatigue
A telehealth exercise program is being tested to reduce cancer-related fatigue in rural breast cancer survivors.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Understanding how survivorship care plans affect health outcomes for cancer survivors
A study will look at whether survivorship care plans help reduce deaths and improve health for adults who have survived cancer.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
HIV in Women: How the virus hides and the immune system changes across life stages
This project looks at how HIV behaves differently in people from puberty through menopause, focusing on how hormones like estrogen may affect HIV persistence and immune responses.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.