Exercise and nutrition routine improving cancer health (ENRICH): the protocol for a randomized efficacy trial of a nutrition and physical activity program for adult cancer survivors and carers.

Background: The Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health (ENRICH) study is investigating a novel lifestyle intervention aimed at improving the health behaviors of adult cancer survivors and their carers. The main purpose of the study is to determine the efficacy of lifestyle education and skill development delivered via group-based sessions on the physical activity and dietary behaviors of participants. This article describes the intervention development, study design, and participant recruitment.

Exploring the impact of training on the experience of Australian support group leaders: current practices and implications for research.

Background: Existing literature suggests that the effectiveness of a support group is linked to the qualifications, skills and experience of the group leader. Yet, little research has been conducted into the experiences of trained vs. untrained support group leaders of chronic-illness support groups.

Changes in sexuality and intimacy after the diagnosis and treatment of cancer: the experience of partners in a sexual relationship with a person with cancer.

Changes in sexuality and intimacy after cancer were examined using open-ended questionnaire responses with 156 informal carers who were partners of a person with cancer. Interviews were conducted with 20 participants to examine changes in depth. Seventy-six percent of partners of a person with "nonreproductive" cancer types and 84% of partners caring for a person with cancer involving "reproductive" sites reported an impact on their sexual relationship.

Cancer knowledge and perception of skills of general practice registrars in Australia.

Background: The objective was to assess cancer knowledge and perception of skills of general practice (GP) registrars in Australia. This will help design future educational resources.

Methods: We surveyed GP registrars in different Australian states.

Older women's sexuality.

In consultations with older women, doctors should ask about sexual problems. A holistic approach is needed to examine the many different factors that can affect sexuality. Hormonal changes associated with ageing have an impact on women's sexuality.

Sexuality and body image after cancer.

Background: Cancer and its treatments can profoundly affect a person's sexuality including their body image, sexual functioning, relationships, identity and self esteem. One of the more common long lasting effects of cancer treatment is sexual dysfunction, yet for a number of reasons, health practitioners may not adequately address these topics.

Objective: This article describes the range of factors contributing to psychosexual problems for people with cancer and provides a useful framework for addressing problems and taking a sexual history.