Background:
Anal cancer incidence continues to rise, with more than 600 women diagnosed in Australia in 2025. The physical effects of pelvic radiotherapy, combined with the psychosocial challenges associated with a stigmatising diagnosis, can result in permanent, life-altering consequences. Recent qualitative research found that women felt under-informed about treatment-related changes and ill-prepared to manage sexual health concerns. This study aimed to co-design an information resource tailored to the needs of women with anal cancer, evaluate its acceptability and usability, and explore the feasibility of implementation in clinical practice.
Methods:
An expert advisory group (EAG) comprising women with lived experience (n = 4) and cancer care providers (n = 4) from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States was convened to co-design and develop an information resource for women newly diagnosed with anal cancer. Acceptability and usability were assessed among intended end users (n = 18). Feasibility of implementation in clinical practice was explored with specialist cancer nurses (n = 9).
Findings:
Overall, participants (n = 27) reported that the resource was acceptable, useful, and relevant to the needs of women with anal cancer. Specialist nurses indicated that implementation in clinical practice would be feasible, provided site-specific barriers and facilitators were identified and addressed. Further refinement of the resource is planned through the NHMRC-funded Women’s Initiative for Sexual Health, Education and Raising Awareness of Anal Cancer (WISER) study, a national multicentre phase II feasibility study.
Conclusion:
This study co-designed and evaluated the first information resource specifically developed to address the sexual health needs of women with anal cancer. Findings support the resource's acceptability, usability, and potential feasibility for implementation in clinical practice, providing a foundation for broader evaluation through the WISER study.