Spotlight on the SexFICC Project
Led by Associate Professor Claudia Rutherford and Professor Kate White from the University of Sydney, in partnership with VCCC Alliance, Movember, Sydney Local Health District and other collaborators, the SexFICC project will develop educational tools and resources for both cancer specialists and community providers to address this often-overlooked area of care.
As we know, Cancer nurses are often the first point of contact for patients navigating the physical and emotional side effects of treatment—including issues related to intimacy, body image, and sexuality. Yet many nurses report feeling underprepared to address these topics, despite their critical importance to overall wellbeing and quality of life.
The SexFICC Project will provide cancer nurses with the tools, language, and confidence needed to initiate these sensitive conversations, tailor care, and refer appropriately—whether working in acute, community, or palliative settings.
By supporting nurses to integrate SFI into holistic cancer care, the project aligns with CNSA’s commitment to person-centred practice and improved outcomes across the cancer continuum.
Project Highlights
- Duration: January 2025 – June 2027
- Aim: To deliver a co-designed program of evidence-based education and resources for clinicians to address SFI concerns in cancer care
- Audience: Resources will target both cancer specialists and community-based health professionals
- Milestone Achieved: The first co-design workshop was held in March 2025, bringing together 31 people including consumers, nurses, GPs, psychologists, and educators
- Next Steps: Ongoing co-development of content and additional workshops in late 2025
This initiative was also showcased at a breakfast at the CNSA & ISNCC Joint Congress in Adelaide in June 2025.
To find out more, contact project leads at the University of Sydney via [email protected].
