John Costello and colleagues explore the benefits of providing women with a forum to express their concerns about treatment for cervical cancer and its effect on their lives

This study explored women’s sexuality following treatment for cervical cancer. Interviews were conducted with a sample of 13 women two to three years after treatment and focused on their subjective experiences of living with the late effects of treatment. The results presented focus on the potential therapeutic benefits of conducting in-depth research interviews. Several women reported feeling positive after the interview and found it beneficial because it provided them with the chance to share concerns about treatment and its effects on their lives. When conducted properly, in-depth interviews can have therapeutic benefits for participants as well as enabling interviewers to develop empathy with interviewees. The main findings of the study are reported by Burns et al (2007).