Sexual health is an important part of one’s sense of self, well-being, and overall health. Unfortunately, the side effects of lung cancer and its treatments can sometimes cause physical and emotional effects that can impact sexual health. In addition, sexual health is a concern that may be overlooked by a women's healthcare team, especially when addressing other treatment effects.

As a result, GO2’s Lung Cancer Registry launched a groundbreaking survey on the impact of lung cancer treatments on women’s sexual health. The aim is to explore the magnitude of the problem and give researchers and clinicians new understanding to improve the quality of life for women survivors of lung cancer survivors.

SHAWL is the first comprehensive look at the impact of a lung cancer diagnosis on a woman’s sexual quality of life. 249 women answered questions related to their sexual health and function before and after being diagnosed with lung cancer. The survey found that women with lung cancer have different sexual health concerns when compared to women diagnosed with other cancers. When these side effects were treated, women report an overall improvement in quality of life.

The SHAWL survey enrollment closed on March 31, 2021, and initial data was shared by Dr. Florez (Duma) at The 2022 IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer. The takeaway message from the SHAWL study is that the treatment of lung cancer may contribute to sexual health dysfunction. As a result, it is important to discuss any sexual health issues with your healthcare team. There are often different solutions available, depending on the side effects of the cancer treatment. Learn more about Dr. Florez’s findings through the SHAWL study.

Studies show that being sexually healthy can improve your connection with a partner, ease suffering, and improve your sense of well-being.

Please discuss any sexual health difficulties with your healthcare team so that you can reach your optimal sexual health while undergoing cancer treatment or after the treatment is complete. Check out our lung cancer and sexual health one-pager to learn more about how lung cancer impacts your sexual health, how you can manage it, and tips for talking to your care team.

This groundbreaking survey was conducted by GO2 for Lung Cancer’s Lung Cancer Registry in partnership with University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and a multi-disciplinary team of investigators.