Open AccessSexual health among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A scoping review from the Children's Oncology Group Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Discipline Committee
Author(s) -
Cherven Brooke,
Sampson Amani,
Bober Sharon L.,
Bingen Kristin,
Frederick Natasha,
Freyer David R.,
Quinn Gwendolyn P.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
ca: a cancer journal for clinicians
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 62.937
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1542-4863
pISSN - 0007-9235
DOI - 10.3322/caac.21655
Subject(s) - psychosexual development , psychosocial , medicine , sexual function , psychological intervention , reproductive health , human sexuality , sexual dysfunction , young adult , cancer , quality of life (healthcare) , survivorship curve , clinical psychology , gerontology , psychology , psychiatry , population , developmental psychology , nursing , gender studies , environmental health , sociology
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.