Project: KalmCaRe Sexual Health

Project information

Project Leader
Amanda Hellström, Registered Nurse, Associate Professor in Nursing Science Linnaeus University, Research Leader at Academic Primary Care Öland, Region Kalmar County

Other project members

Samuel Ask, Registered Nurse, PhD student at Linnaeus University

Camilla Wennerberg, Registered Nurse, Urotherapist, PhD in Nursing Science, Region Kalmar County

Viktor Kaldo, Licensed Psychologist, Professor of Psychology at Linnaeus University and Karolinska Institutet

Participating organisations
Linnaeus University, Region Kalmar County

Funding
Cancerfonden, Crafoord Foundation

Timetable
2023-2026

Subject
Health Sciences (Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences)

Research group
The ReAction Group

More about the project

Since 2017, research on the care of people with cancer has been conducted within the group. In an initial project, "Active Patient Participation with the Help of eHealth Support in Cancer Care Transitions," it was found that the impact on sexual function after prostate cancer surgery is a common problem. Many men also felt they lacked the proper support to manage sex-related issues. The consequences on sex life are not only physical but also involve changes in self-image and relationships.

This led to a study in collaboration with partners from Region Kalmar County, Region Kronoberg County, ANOVA Karolinska University Hospital, Region Skåne, and RCC South. In this project, an internet-based support adapted for 1177 was designed for men who had undergone prostatectomy and their partners, to support sexual rehabilitation. Lessons from this study have been incorporated into the current project, focusing on rehabilitation for psychosocial and sexual health in patients who have undergone treatment for pelvic cancer.

It has also led to the development of alternative support for healthcare professionals who follow up on sexual rehabilitation in men with prostate cancer through former project member Carina Danemalm Jägerwall.

Current Project 

The ongoing project focuses on cancer rehabilitation, with a particular interest in how digital tools can support the rehabilitation of sexual health after treatment for prostate, colorectal, and gynaecological cancer, known as pelvic cancer. By integrating digital tools and care, we aim to develop innovative solutions that can improve the quality of life for cancer survivors. We work in accordance with the World Health Organization's definitions, where health and sexual health are states of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Physical function is often affected by cancer and its treatment, as noted in previous research; therefore, special emphasis is placed on the mental and social aspects of health and sexual health related to cancer and its treatment.

In 2023, a systematic review and meta-analysis were published, highlighting the state of knowledge regarding support for sexual health after cancer. In 2025, the development of internet-based support via 1177 is ongoing, which can meet the needs of patients with pelvic cancer regarding their sexual health. After the support programme is developed, the group will test it in a larger study.