“Tiffany puts you at ease and takes you on a journey of self exploration, prior to the course I was anxious about my sexuality and I now have some amazing tools to help me find my mojo and bring back the intimacy in my life.” Jen de Raadt, Breast Cancer Survivor and Sexy Survivor Participant
Sexy Survivors Data Results
February/March 2024
Of our initial test group of five participants in a 6-week virtual group coaching program, three finished all of the modules as of 3/31/24. The participants were female, ages 41-59, with breast or rectal cancer. They were 6 months to 7 years post treatment.
At the time of these results, one of the participants had used their individual private coaching session in addition to the group program aspect. All participants plan to join the post-course membership platform for ongoing support.
Overall, there was significant improvement observed in both body image and intimacy among participants:
- Body Image Improvement: Participants who initially scored below 5 on the body image scale saw substantial improvements, with scores increasing from 3 to either 8 or 9. Even those who started with a relatively high initial score of 7 still showed improvement, reaching a final score of 9. Scale judged was from 1-10, with 1 being very negative and 10 being very positive, rating the participants current feelings towards their bodies and overall feelings of femininity.
- Intimacy Improvement: Across the board, participants demonstrated notable enhancements in intimacy. Those with initial scores of 6 saw their scores increase to 10, while participants starting with scores of 3 and 4 experienced increases to 7 and 9, respectively. Scale judged was from 1-10, with 1 being very negative and 10 being very positive, rating the participants current feelings towards sexual activities and intimacy with their partners.
- 100% of participants experienced improved communication with their partners regarding intimacy and body love post-course and of those who had difficulties discussing these topics with their doctors and care teams 100% expressed this coaching would have helped them prior and during treatment.
- 100% are having increased sexual activity with their partners. 75% went from no sexual activity to activity 1-2 times per month. 25% increased from 1-2 times per month up to 3 times per week. All had increased sexual satisfaction even if pain was still present.
These results indicate that the program highly effectively contributed to positive changes in both body image perception and intimate relationships among the participants.
Qualitative Support:
“I love what you are doing Tiffany, this could be something so great for so many. I would love to see this offering in every cancer center!” Ingrid Newman, Rectal Cancer Survivor and Sexy Survivor Participant
The course content, the other women/comradery, the weekly exercises, and the community were the most valuable aspects of the program.
This course has provided a guided way back to seeing myself through beauty. Feeling good and allowing myself to stop being a victim has allowed me to take back my body. The activities have helped me to explore myself fully.
It has helped me to let go of the scars and to realize I have many from other times in my life and they never got in the way before. The mind and what we say to ourselves is so important. For me the sense of touch around my body has helped me the most. I now really enjoy touching my skin and allowing myself to feel fully. It has helped me to slow down and take in my surroundings and allow these things to help me set the mood and tone to explore my sensuality more.
“Before the course I was curious about what I would learn. I tend to feel like I’m fine and I don’t know what I don’t know so I’m not overly worried or stressed about things.
Learning what the other women went through in comparison to my story was very enlightening and helpful. Learning Gratitude in a different way. Learning tools to help with calming and stimulating in ways that are effective and natural were my favorite part. Things my Doctors don’t know or talk about.” Susie Clisson, Breast Cancer Survivor and Sexy Survivor Participant
Sexy Survivors Case Study: Jen de Raadt, Age 50, Breast Cancer Survivor
Jen de Raadt, a 50-year-old female breast cancer survivor, underwent a series of extensive, invasive treatments including a double mastectomy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Six months post-treatment, she grapples with a myriad of challenges commonly encountered by cancer survivors, notably physical alterations, emotional distress, impaired communication dynamics, and relational discord regarding intimacy.
Central to Jen’s post-treatment experience is the profound shift in her perception of self and her interpersonal relationships, particularly with her spouse. Her primary concern revolves around a perceived loss of sexual desirability and emotional disconnection within her husband, underscored by her partner’s apparent reluctance to engage intimately as before her cancer diagnosis.
While Jen engaged in counseling during her treatment phase, the focus of sessions predominantly addressed ancillary concerns, leaving her unresolved in confronting her intimacy-related anxieties. Her reflections on this journey highlight the substantial impact of cancer on her sexual well-being and capacity for pleasure, underscoring the need for more proactive support mechanisms within healthcare settings.
Participation in Sexy Survivors, a specialized post-cancer intimacy program facilitated Jen’s journey towards holistic healing and reintegration. Guided by evidence-based interventions and structured therapeutic exercises, she navigated the complexities of post-treatment intimacy with a focus on reclaiming agency over her body and fostering emotional resilience.
The program’s multifaceted approach, emphasizing psychoeducation, cognitive reframing, and sensorial engagement, provided Jen tangible tools to address her psychosocial and sexual concerns. Notably, her embrace of physical scars as symbols of strength and endurance reflects the program’s efficacy in promoting self-acceptance and body positivity among survivors.
From a clinical standpoint, Jen’s progress underscores the potential benefits of integrating post-cancer intimacy programs within hospital and cancer center settings. By addressing the often-neglected aspects of sexual health and relational dynamics, such programs contribute to comprehensive survivorship care, enhancing patients’ overall quality of life and psychological well-being. These improvements show future ability to reduce overall medical and insurance costs.
Jen’s narrative serves as a compelling testament to the transformative impact of tailored interventions in fostering resilience and empowering survivors to navigate the complexities of post-treatment life with newfound confidence and vitality.
