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

• 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
• Journal Title: CA-A CANCER JOURNAL FOR CLINICIANS
• Volume: Volume 71, Number 3
• Publisher: WILEY | 2020-12-07, Pages 250-263
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21655
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Oncology
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Oncology; adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer; cancer survivor; sexual dysfunction; sexual function; sexual health; QUALITY-OF-LIFE; CHILDHOOD-CANCER; ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS; REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH; IMPACT; CARE; COMMUNICATION; PERSPECTIVES; SATISFACTION; EXPERIENCES

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.