Casey Fazer-Posorske, PA-C

Short Biography

Casey Fazer-Posorske is a Physician Assistant in the Division of Medical Oncology at Mayo Clinic, specializing in head and neck cancers. She holds a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is an Assistant Professor of Oncology. She leads the head and neck oncology APP team and serves on multiple Mayo Clinic committees, including the Head and Neck Disease Group Executive Committee and the NP/PA Education Committee. She also chairs the APSHO Membership Committee.

Her work includes developing survivorship and immunotherapy toxicity clinics, directing a Hematology/Medical Oncology Fellowship, and advancing global oncology education through collaborations in Africa. Recognized for her leadership and educational impact, she is a member of the Academy of Educational Excellence and has presented internationally on oncology care.

Presentation Summary: Addressing Sexual Health in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

In her presentation, Casey Fazer-Posorske highlights the underrecognized sexual health challenges faced by head and neck cancer patients. She begins with an overview of head and neck cancer types, causes, and treatments, emphasizing how surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy impact patient quality of life. She then focuses on the physical, psychological, emotional, and social sexual health impacts—particularly in the context of HPV-related cancers. The presentation stresses the importance of proactive intervention and management strategies, including patient education, counseling, and appropriate referrals. Her core message is that addressing sexual health is an essential and often overlooked component of comprehensive cancer care, especially for survivors of head and neck cancers.

Lauren Broschak, LCSW, OSW-C

Short Biography

Lauren Broschak is an oncology-certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker with specialization in sexuality, young adults, and cancer. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work along with certifications in sex therapy and sexuality education from the University of Michigan. Lauren serves as an oncology therapist and program manager at Inova Life with Cancer in Northern Virginia, where she leads the Survivorship Clinic and related programming. In her role, she provides counseling, facilitates support groups, and delivers education for individuals affected by cancer. A nationally invited speaker, Lauren co-authored a chapter in the 2020 Hospice Foundation of America publication *Intimacy and Sexuality During Illness and Loss* and currently serves as Co-Chair for the AOSW Adolescent and Young Adult Special Interest Group and on the Board of Directors for After Cancer.

Presentation Summary: Addressing the Psychosocial Impacts of Sexual Health in Cancer Care

In her presentation, Lauren Broschak shares the breadth of psychosocial issues patients face regarding sexual health during and after cancer treatment. Drawing on her clinical experience, she identifies concerns such as reduced sexual desire, altered arousal and orgasm, loss of sexual identity, performance anxiety, body image changes, and emotional issues like fear, guilt, grief, and depression. She emphasizes how these challenges intersect with identity, relationships, and quality of life.

Lauren discusses key factors that can predict healthier sexual adjustment post-diagnosis, including supportive intimate relationships, strong sexual self-esteem, and effective communication. For patients lacking these resources, she advocates for tailored psychosocial interventions that foster inner resilience and enhance relational skills. Her message underscores that sexuality is a vital component of well-being and identity, and should be compassionately addressed within oncology care.

Arash Asher, MD

Short Biography

Dr. Arash Asher has served as the Director of Cancer Survivorship & Rehabilitation at Cedars-Sinai Cancer since 2008. He is a specialist in the physical and rehabilitative care of cancer survivors, with a focus on helping patients manage the lingering effects of cancer and its treatments. Dr. Asher has developed numerous innovative programs to enhance physical, psychological, and spiritual resilience among cancer survivors. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at UCLA and a cancer rehabilitation fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Presentation Summary: Moving Through Cancer

In his presentation, Dr. Asher explores how exercise serves as both a therapeutic and preventative intervention in cancer survivorship. He outlines the extensive physical, psychological, and social challenges faced by survivors—including fatigue, neuropathy, depression, cognitive decline, and body image issues—and presents exercise as a critical tool to combat these effects. Drawing on clinical evidence, he explains how exercise influences cancer biology through mechanisms like cytokine reduction and myokine production, enhancing both immune function and neuroplasticity. He emphasizes evidence-based guidelines recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise and twice-weekly strength training. Dr. Asher’s key message is that integrating personalized, safe exercise prescriptions into survivorship care can significantly improve quality of life, reduce recurrence risk, and promote long-term health in cancer survivors.

Rachael McCall, PT, DPT, CLT

Short Biography

Dr. Rachael McCall is a physical therapist specializing in oncology rehabilitation and pelvic health. She became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist while working in outpatient orthopedics and later pursued specialized education in oncology and pelvic floor therapy. Driven by a passion for serving individuals with current or past cancer diagnoses, Dr. McCall is dedicated to improving quality of care and advocating for the integration of physical therapy as a central component in cancer treatment and recovery.

Presentation Summary: Understanding Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients

In her presentation, Dr. McCall provides a comprehensive overview of lymphedema as it relates to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. She identifies radiation, surgery, and tumor obstruction as key causes of lymphatic dysfunction, leading to chronic fluid buildup and swelling. She details the stages of lymphedema, outlines physical and psychosocial complications—including infections, mobility limitations, and body image concerns—and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and referral to Certified Lymphedema Therapists. Highlighting Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as a gold standard treatment approach, Dr. McCall underscores the critical role physical therapists play in improving outcomes and quality of life for survivors.

Larry Newman, DNP, AGNPPC, PMHNP, ARNP

Short Biography

Larry Newman is a dually certified nurse practitioner in adult/gerontological primary care and psychiatric mental health. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor Emeritus at the University of Iowa College of Nursing and currently serves the Meskwaki Nation—Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi—at the Meskwaki Tribal Health Clinic in Tama, Iowa. His clinical career has been rooted in providing equitable, inclusive care for marginalized communities, with a strong focus on addressing the social determinants of health and bridging gaps in access to culturally competent care.

Presentation Summary: Engaging LGBTQ+ People in Their Healthcare

In this presentation, Larry Newman explores the barriers LGBTQ+ individuals face in healthcare and offers practical strategies to foster more inclusive and affirming environments. He identifies key challenges such as discrimination, lack of provider training, limited access to care, and elevated risks for adverse health outcomes like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and suicide. Newman emphasizes the provider’s role in using respectful language, avoiding assumptions, and supporting LGBTQ+ patients’ intimacy and survivorship needs—particularly in the context of cancer care. He highlights the unique needs of transgender individuals, including conversations about vaginal and anal intimacy, erectile dysfunction, and pregnancy risks. By incorporating inclusive communication, affirming environments, and multidisciplinary collaboration, Newman’s presentation provides a roadmap for improving health equity and quality of life for LGBTQ+ patients.

Christin Collins, DO, FACOS, FACS

Short Biography

Dr. Christin Collins is a board-certified breast surgical oncologist through the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. She specializes in the management and treatment of breast disease with particular expertise in oncoplastic and hidden scar surgery. Her professional interests include sexual health after cancer, health equity, implicit bias, and inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ patients. Dr. Collins is deeply committed to addressing medical disparities and fostering equitable care environments. Her work integrates advanced surgical techniques with a patient-centered focus on holistic recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Presentation Summary: Breast Surgery and Sexual Health

In her presentation, Dr. Collins explores the broad physical and psychosocial impacts of breast surgery on sexual health and identity. She reviews surgical options—including partial and total mastectomy, implant-based and autologous reconstruction—and the resulting changes to anatomy, sensation, and body image. Dr. Collins discusses common complications like lymphedema, skin sensitivity, chronic pain, and their impacts on intimacy and function. A core theme of her talk is the ‘No Assumptions’ approach, which encourages care teams to avoid bias and engage in open, inclusive dialogue. She emphasizes the importance of understanding individual values around femininity, sexuality, and body image, urging clinicians to recognize and challenge unconscious bias. By promoting culturally competent and personalized care, her message underscores the need for validating every patient’s experience in the surgical and survivorship journey.

Rachael McCall, PT, DPT, CLT (Second Presentation)

Short Biography

Dr. Rachael McCall is a physical therapist who specializes in oncology rehabilitation and pelvic health. She became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist while working in outpatient orthopedics and pursued further training to support cancer patients throughout their treatment and recovery. Passionate about holistic care, she aims to make physical therapists integral members of every cancer care team to improve outcomes and quality of life for survivors.

Presentation Summary: Pelvic Health in Cancer Survivors

In this presentation, Dr. McCall educates providers on recognizing and addressing pelvic floor dysfunction in cancer survivors. She explains pelvic floor anatomy and its key roles in urinary, bowel, and sexual function. She outlines the impact of cancer treatment—including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—on pelvic floor health, highlighting symptoms such as incontinence, constipation, pelvic pressure, pain, and sexual dysfunction. Dr. McCall emphasizes that pelvic floor issues often go unrecognized, even though they significantly impair quality of life.

Her talk walks through a trauma-informed pelvic floor evaluation process, including both internal and external assessments, and individualized treatment plans. She details how physical therapy can relieve tension, strengthen muscles, and restore functional movement. She also discusses therapeutic tools such as dilators, pelvic wands, and dry needling, cautioning that these should be used under the guidance of a trained pelvic floor therapist. Dr. McCall’s core message is that effective referral and collaboration with pelvic floor PTs can dramatically improve the wellbeing of cancer survivors struggling with often-overlooked but treatable symptoms.

Amanda Olson, PT, DPT, PRPC

Short Biography

Dr. Amanda Olson is a pelvic health physical therapist, author, entrepreneur, and international educator known for her leadership in advancing pelvic health care. With a background in treating patients facing conditions such as cancer, pelvic pain, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and MRKH, Dr. Olson is committed to reducing stigma and improving quality of life. She is the founder and president of Intimate Rose, a pelvic health device company that offers innovative tools and solutions. A published author of both peer-reviewed articles and the book Restoring the Pelvic Floor for Women, she has collaborated with clinics globally and is a fierce advocate for underserved populations in pelvic and women’s healthcare.

Presentation Summary: Dilators & Pelvic Therapy in the Management of Sexual Issues for Cancer Survivors

In her presentation, Dr. Olson highlights the crucial role of vaginal dilators and pelvic therapy in managing sexual health challenges among cancer survivors, particularly those experiencing conditions like vaginal atrophy, stenosis, or dyspareunia. She explains how treatments like chemotherapy and radiation contribute to hypoestrogenism and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), leading to pain, reduced elasticity, and impaired intimacy. Through clinical examples and supporting research, she demonstrates how dilator therapy—when combined with pelvic floor exercises and cognitive behavioral strategies—can significantly improve vaginal health, sexual function, and emotional well-being. Her message reinforces the importance of proactive intervention and normalizing sexual health care in survivorship planning.

Robyn Faye, MD, FACOG, MSCP, IF, CSC

Short Biography

Dr. Robyn Faye is a Certified Menopause Practitioner and an AASECT-certified sexual counselor, recognized as one of the first MD sexual counselors in Pennsylvania. She specializes in the care of women with pelvic pain, vulvodynia, dermatological conditions, and sexual dysfunction, serving patients four days a week in her private practice and one day via telehealth. Dr. Faye receives referrals from primary care providers, oncologists, gynecologic specialists, and former patients, offering support for those who often have nowhere else to turn. In addition to her clinical work, she is passionate about teaching, regularly instructing gynecology residents, PA students, and nurse practitioner students.

Presentation Summary: Cancer and its Significant Effects on Women’s Vaginal and Sexual Health

In her presentation, Dr. Faye outlines the profound effects of cancer and its treatments on women’s vaginal and sexual health. She discusses physical consequences such as vaginal dryness, atrophy, narrowing, and the psychological impact of cancer on body image, libido, and intimacy. She emphasizes the hormonal disruptions induced by cancer treatments, particularly the abrupt onset of menopause in younger patients, and the associated sexual dysfunction. Dr. Faye advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to care that begins at diagnosis, including gynecologic support, thorough assessments, and personalized care plans. Using the PLISSIT model, she highlights the importance of addressing sexual concerns through counseling, education, and targeted therapies. She provides practical treatment options—ranging from lubricants and moisturizers to intensive therapy—underscoring the need for empathetic, proactive communication and timely referral. Her message is clear: compassionate, informed care can restore quality of life and intimacy for women navigating cancer survivorship.