Faculty Collaboration Database

Sexual health among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A scoping review from the Children's Oncology Group Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Discipline Committee. CA Cancer J Clin 2021 May;71(3):250-263

Date

12/08/2020

Pubmed ID

33283888

Pubmed Central ID

PMC8678924

DOI

10.3322/caac.21655

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85097231996 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   84 Citations

Abstract

Sexual function is a vital aspect of quality of life among adolescent and young adult (AYA) (ages 15-39 years) cancer survivors. Sexual function encompasses physical, psychosocial, and developmental factors that contribute to sexual health, all of which may be negatively impacted by cancer and treatment. However, limited information is available to inform the care of AYA cancer survivors in this regard. This scoping review, conducted by the Children's Oncology Group AYA Oncology Discipline Committee, summarizes available literature regarding sexual function among AYA cancer survivors, including relevant psychosexual aspects of romantic relationships and body image. Results suggest that, overall, AYA cancer survivors experience a substantial burden of sexual dysfunction. Both physical and psychosocial sequelae influence survivors' sexual health. Interventions to support sexual health and psychosexual adjustment after cancer treatment are needed. Collaborations between the Children's Oncology Group and adult-focused cooperative groups within the National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network are warranted to advance prospective assessment of sexual dysfunction and test interventions to improve sexual health among AYA cancer survivors.

Author List

Cherven B, Sampson A, Bober SL, Bingen K, Frederick N, Freyer DR, Quinn GP

Author

Kristin M. Bingen PhD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Body Image
Cancer Survivors
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Orgasm
Prevalence
Quality of Life
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
Sexual Health
Young Adult