Let’s talk about sex…sexual health after CRC
The Colorectal Cancer Research Digest
Brought to you by Dr. Mary De Vera, a pharmacoepidemiologist and assistant professor in medication adherence in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia.
In this issue
🍽️ The digest: Let’s talk about sex…sexual health after CRC
📣 Word is getting out…the study made the news
🎓Celebrating our team members
🍽️ The digest: Let’s talk about sex…sexual health after CRC
Year published: 2025
Why we did the research: This study is meaningful to me – I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 36, eight months after giving birth. I experienced firsthand then, and continue to experience now, the impact of the disease on sexual and reproductive health. That’s why I set out to study clinical outcomes among females, to help shine a light on these critical aspects of survivorship.
How we did the research: We used British Columbia health data, including the BC Cancer Registry, doctor visits, and hospitalizations. We analyzed rates of sexual health issues—like pain during sex, early menopause, pelvic infections, and conditions like endometriosis—in females diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Why this research matters: As a both colorectal cancer patient and researcher, I know that the challenges of cancer don’t end when treatment does. This study highlights sexual and reproductive health concerns that are not rare—but they are often invisible, and can have serious, lasting impacts. Too many patients suffer in silence with issues that are difficult to talk about, and that needs to change. Through this research, I hope to raise awareness, break the silence, and help ensure no one feels alone in their survivorship journey.
📣 Word is getting out...the study made the news
I’m so glad we got the conversation started on sex after colorectal cancer.
Since our study was published on June 1st, it’s sparked attention from researchers, clinicians, and the media. The University of British Columbia featured the study in a media story, and it was also picked up by Medscape and others.
It means a lot to see this important—but often overlooked—topic finally getting the spotlight it deserves. Let’s keep this conversation going.
🎓Celebrating our team members
