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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 |
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| Authors: | Brooke Cherven PhD MPH RN Amani Sampson BS Sharon L. Bober PhD Kristin Bingen PhD Natasha Frederick MD MPH David R. Freyer DO MS Gwendolyn P. Quinn PhD |
| Affiliation: | 1. Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia;2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York;3. Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts;4. Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin;5. Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut;6. Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California;7. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University, New York, New York |
| 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. |
| Keywords: | adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer cancer survivor sexual dysfunction sexual function sexual health |