Dr. Schover on the Web-Based Intervention "Tendrils" for Breast Cancer Survivors

Leslie R. Schover, PhD, clinical psychiatrist, professor, behavioral science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the web-based intervention Tendrils: Sexual Renewal and Motherhood after Cancer.

Schover says the website, which is still in beta testing, was supported by a small business grant from the National Cancer Institute. An efficacy trial of the website was conducted and a trial examining the website’s ability to prevent sexual problems in women starting aromatase inhibitors is ongoing.

Schover says she decided to choose an Internet intervention to “jump over the heads” of the oncology physicians and go straight to the patients. This way, patients are given the information they need, when they need it. In addition to the educational aspect, Schover says, the website offers cognitive behavior therapy techniques that can be done on a self-help basis.