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

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Brooke Cherven, Emory University; Amani Sampson, New York University; Sharon L Bober, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School; Kristin Bingen, Medical College of Wisconsin; Natasha Frederick, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center; David R Freyer, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; GP Quinn, New York University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-12-07
• Publisher: WILEY
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2020 American Cancer Society
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.3322/caac.21655
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: CA-A CANCER JOURNAL FOR CLINICIANS
• Volume: 71
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 250
• End Page: 263
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was supported by the Children’s Oncology Group under the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health award numbers U10CA180886 and U10CA098543, and the Children’s Oncology Group/Aflac Foundation.
• Keywords: sexual function; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; QUALITY-OF-LIFE; REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH; Oncology; sexual dysfunction; COMMUNICATION; cancer survivor; CARE; EXPERIENCES; IMPACT; sexual health; SATISFACTION; CHILDHOOD-CANCER; PERSPECTIVES; Science & Technology; adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer; ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

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.