AOSW Connections

Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW, OSW-C

Editor
Katherine Easton, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C

AOSW Communications Director
Brittany Hahn, LCSW

Managing Editor
Patricia Sullivan

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2025 Themes

February: Workplace & Culture
May: Therapeutic Techniques

August: Palliative Care

November: Caregivers 

The Vital Role of Sexual Health in Oncology Social Work 

February 15, 2025
Jennifer Bires, LCSW, OSW-C, CST; Christina Austin-Valere, PhD, LCSW
SIG Updates

By Jennifer Bires, LCSW, OSW-C, CST, and Christina Austin-Valere, PhD, LCSW 

Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of well-being, yet it remains one of the most overlooked components of cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and its treatments often bring profound changes that affect intimacy, body image, sexual function, and relationships. Research indicates that up to 87% of individuals living with cancer experience sexual health concerns, though these issues are rarely addressed in clinical settings (Reese et al., 2021). Oncology social workers are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap, ensuring that patients receive the support and resources they need to navigate these challenges. 

The Role of Oncology Social Workers in Sexual Health 

Oncology social workers play a critical role in addressing sexual health concerns across the cancer continuum. We provide a safe space for patients and their partners to discuss sensitive issues, help normalize these conversations, and connect them with appropriate interventions. Our work includes: 

  • Assessment and Education: Identifying sexual health concerns and providing psychoeducation about common challenges. 
  • Counseling and Support: Offering individual and couples counseling to address emotional and relational changes related to cancer and treatment. 
  • Advocacy: Encouraging healthcare teams to integrate sexual health into standard oncology care. 
  • Resource Navigation: Connecting patients with specialized sexual health providers, support groups, and evidence-based interventions. 

Despite the importance of these efforts, many social workers receive little formal training in sexual health. This knowledge gap highlights the need for ongoing education and professional collaboration. 

The Sexual Health Special Interest Group (SIG)
The AOSW Sexual Health Special Interest Group (SIG) is dedicated to fostering connections among oncology social workers interested in sexual health. Our goal is to provide resources, education, and opportunities for professionals to learn from one another and share best practices. By creating a space for dialogue and collaboration, the SIG helps disseminate critical information and advances the integration of sexual health into oncology care. Whether you are new to this topic or have extensive experience, we welcome your participation in our growing community. 

Upcoming Sexual Health SIG Speaker Series
The SIG is excited to host a series of expert-led discussions on key topics in sexual health and oncology. Below is our upcoming schedule: 

We invite all oncology social workers to join us for these informative sessions to deepen their understanding and enhance their practice.  

Please be on the lookout for more speaker series later this year.  

Bi-Monthly Sexual Health Newsletter
In addition to our speaker series, the SIG publishes a bi-monthly newsletter featuring: 

  • Upcoming trainings and workshops 
  • Newly published research articles 
  • Resources for clinical practice 

By prioritizing sexual health in oncology care, we can enhance the quality of life for those affected by cancer. We look forward to your participation in our SIG events and ongoing discussions! 

You can join the Sexual Health SIG by clicking on the Communities tab under MY AOSW on the AOSW website. Be sure to sign in! 

About the Authors

Jennifer Bires, LCSW, OSW-C, CST
Executive Director
Life with Cancer and Patient Experience; Inova Schar Cancer Institute
Fairfax, Virginia
Jennifer.Bires@inova.org
Jennifer Bires, LCSW, OSW-C, CST, is an innovative leader in the field of psychosocial oncology with over 15 years of experience building patient centered, supportive care programs for patients and families impacted by cancer.  In her current role...
Read Full Author Bio
Jennifer Bires, LCSW, OSW-C, CST
Executive Director
Life with Cancer and Patient Experience; Inova Schar Cancer Institute
Fairfax, Virginia
Jennifer.Bires@inova.org

Jennifer Bires, LCSW, OSW-C, CST, is an innovative leader in the field of psychosocial oncology with over 15 years of experience building patient centered, supportive care programs for patients and families impacted by cancer.  In her current role at Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Jennifer leads a team of oncology behavioral health therapists, social workers, nurse navigators and oncology dieticians, ensuring that patients and those who support them have access to psychosocial care and education, at no cost to them, to help cope with cancer and its impact on their well-being.  She also oversees the Arts and Healing program which utilizes the arts as a modality of healing. Her clinical specialties include sexual health, young adults with cancer, and end of life care. She earned her master’s degree in social work from Washington University in Saint Louis, and her bachelor’s degree at Clemson University.  She was awarded the Oncology Social Worker of the year in 2017 from the Association of Oncology Social Workers, sits on the Leadership Council for the Association of Oncology Nurse Navigators +, and Board of Trustees for the Association of Cancer Care Centers, is a member of the American Cancer Society National Navigation Round Table and is a past chair for the Board of Oncology Social Work. 

Articles
Christina Austin-Valere, PhD, LCSW
Psych-Oncology Coordinator
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute
Atlanta, Georgia
Christina.Austin-Valere@northside.com
Dr. Christina Austin-Valere is an experienced leader in the psych-oncology field in both inpatient and outpatient settings. As a professional social worker, she has worked clinically with patients and in leadership roles. She currently serves as t...
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Christina Austin-Valere, PhD, LCSW
Psych-Oncology Coordinator
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute
Atlanta, Georgia
Christina.Austin-Valere@northside.com

Dr. Christina Austin-Valere is an experienced leader in the psych-oncology field in both inpatient and outpatient settings. As a professional social worker, she has worked clinically with patients and in leadership roles. She currently serves as the Psych-Oncology Coordinator for the Northside Hospital Behavioral Health Department and Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. She has the clinical and administrative oversight for a team of oncology clinical social workers, licensed professional clinicians and psychologist dedicated to the psychological well-being of our patients living with cancer from diagnosis, start of treatment to survivorship. Dr. Austin-Valere’s specialties include individual and group therapy, support group, sexual health, palliative care, end-of-life care, bereavement support, public speaking, teaching. She earned her bachelor of social work from College of New Rochelle, her masters’ of social work from Fordham University and her doctorate of social work from Barry University. She served on multiple board including the National Association of Social Workers in a local, state and national capacity; served as President, Treasurer and Education Chair for the Florida Society of Oncology Social Workers; Advocacy Chair for the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW). The American Cancer Society also awarded her in 2015 with the ACS Lane Adams Award. Dr. Austin-Valere remains an active member of several special interest groups on both AOSW and the American Psychosocial Oncology Society and local social work groups including the Florida Society of Oncology Social Workers, Georgia Social Work Oncology Group and The Georgia Society for Clinical Social Workers. 

Articles