Methods	Random allocation was directed by a random number table concealed in sealed opaque envelope
Participants	32 women with Stage I or II cervical or endometrial cancer treated with radiotherapy. 24 (75%) women were diagnosed with stage I/II cervical carcinoma and 8 (25%) women had endometrial carcinoma. Radiotherapy was the sole treatment in 9 (28%) women, the other 23 (72%) had a combination of radiotherapy with surgery and/or chemotherapy. 20 women (63%) were taking hormone replacement therapy The mean age of women in the trial was 46.5 years (range = 28 to 73 years). There were 3 (9%) women with an education grade 1 to 8, 11 (34%) women with grade 9 to 12 and 18 (56%) women had at least some post-secondary education
Interventions	Intervention: psychoeducational programme using an information-motivation-behavioural skills’ model to influence compliance Women randomised to the experimental intervention arm attended two 1.5-hour psychoeducational group sessions co-facilitated by the lead and last author using the information-motivation-behavioural skills model described by Fisher 1996. Information about sexuality in general and sexuality and cancer was presented using a variety of teaching aids and techniques: a three-dimensional (3D) model of the female pelvis was utilised; women were shown and able to feel different kinds of vaginal lubricants; explicit instruction for vaginal dilation was given; and the women were shown and able to handle a vibrator. In addition to receiving a copy of Sexuality and Cancer (Schover 1988), the participants were given a handout on the additional material covered in the meetings. The motivational component of the intervention was designed to enhance the women’s view of their sexuality and to promote the idea that sex can be pleasurable despite cancer treatment. The group format allowed for social comparisons, normalisation of feelings, and social connections. For example, the women were encouraged to go together to “sexuality” shops to purchase vibrators and lubricants. They were encouraged to discuss their experience and fears. Issues such as changes in body image and fears about painful intercourse and vaginal bleeding were raised by the facilitators if they were not raised by the women. The behavioural skills component focused on teaching women how to effectively use dilators and lubricants, and Kegal exercises Comparison: standard care Women in the control arm met with a counsellor and were given a copy of Sexuality and Cancer: For the Women Who Has Cancer, and her partner (Schover 1988). This booklet provides a very frank description of both the “normal” sexual response and sex-related consequences of cancer and its treatments. It covers topics such as vaginal dryness and the use of lubricants; painful intercourse and strategies for managing this problem, such as Kegel exercises, vaginal dilators, and alternative positions for intercourse: managing anxiety; and changes in body image. During the counselling session, women’s questions about cancer and sexuality were answered by referring to the appropriate sections of the booklet. The attention of all women was drawn to the sections of the booklet related to dilation and the use of lubricants
Outcomes	Global sexual health, knowledge about sexuality and cancer, fears about sexuality after cancer and vaginal dilation compliance. No attempt was made to measure vaginal anatomy
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