Development of a Responsive Digital Intervention to Support Sexual Health Self-management and Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among women, and despite improved survival associated with endocrine therapy, treatment-related adverse effects significantly affect quality of life, particularly sexual health. This study aimed to describe the development of the responsive website "Cancer and My Life", a digital self-management intervention designed to support the sexual health and well-being of women receiving oral endocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The development process followed the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions and involved a multidisciplinary team, drawing on scientific evidence and relevant theoretical foundations. The resulting platform was developed as a responsive website and refined through iterative cycles of user testing and feedback. It provides educational content, psychosocial support tools, and interactive resources to promote autonomy, self-management, and informed decision-making. The website addresses topics identified through a comprehensive literature review, including body image, intimacy, genitourinary symptoms, and communication with partners. Overall, the platform demonstrates the potential of digital technology to deliver patient-centered support by addressing sensitive and frequently overlooked aspects of cancer care, such as sexual health, and highlights digital health as a promising strategy for more integrated and personalized oncology care.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Cancer Education
Published
2026-08-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-026-02974-2
Primary Topic
Cancer survivorship and care
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Development of a Responsive Digital Intervention to Support Sexual Health Self-management and Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer

Izabel Almeida Alves, Camila Rangel dos Santos, Calinca Eliotério Oliveira, Patrícia Brito Ribeiro de Oliveira
Journal of Cancer Education
Cancer survivorship and care
article

Development of a Responsive Digital Intervention to Support Sexual Health Self-management and Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer

Izabel Almeida Alves, Camila Rangel dos Santos, Calinca Eliotério Oliveira, Patrícia Brito Ribeiro de Oliveira
article en

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among women, and despite improved survival associated with endocrine therapy, treatment-related adverse effects significantly affect quality of life, particularly sexual health. This study aimed to describe the development of the responsive website "Cancer and My Life", a digital self-management intervention designed to support the sexual health and well-being of women receiving oral endocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The development process followed the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions and involved a multidisciplinary team, drawing on scientific evidence and relevant theoretical foundations. The resulting platform was developed as a responsive website and refined through iterative cycles of user testing and feedback. It provides educational content, psychosocial support tools, and interactive resources to promote autonomy, self-management, and informed decision-making. The website addresses topics identified through a comprehensive literature review, including body image, intimacy, genitourinary symptoms, and communication with partners. Overall, the platform demonstrates the potential of digital technology to deliver patient-centered support by addressing sensitive and frequently overlooked aspects of cancer care, such as sexual health, and highlights digital health as a promising strategy for more integrated and personalized oncology care.

Journal of Cancer Education
Universidade Federal da Bahia (BR), Universidade do Estado da Bahia (BR)
Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 13%
Cancer survivorship and care
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