Sexual and Romantic Relationships: Experiences of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Abstract

This study examined the quality and satisfaction of sexual/romantic relationships of adolescents/young adults (AYAs) who recently completed cancer treatment. AYAs between 16 and 26 years old (62.5% female) and less than 24 months post-treatment were interviewed using the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS) interview. Of 43 participants, 16 (37.2%) were in a relationship at time of the interview; eight (50%) reported minor relationship/sexual difficulties. AYAs identified emotional support with their partner as positive aspects of their relationships, and described relational conflict associated with communication difficulties and loss of sexual interest. Better understanding the factors that enable healthy relationships warrants further exploration.

Sexuality and cancer: The experience of adolescents and young adults

“…Not all AYA experience relationship challenges in survivorship. However, some report difficulties in sexual desire, sexual frequency, function and satisfaction . These factors, together with struggles in body image and low self‐esteem, can lead to relationship conflict and lower overall quality of life .…”

“…The consequences of cancer on relationships in this cohort have most commonly been explored in young women with breast cancer, where the importance of couple communication was reported . Promoting communication and resilience strategies to AYA to navigate altered body image and self‐esteem during treatment and survivorship may reduce the likelihood of some sexual difficulties, however there is little evidence regarding which strategies are most effective . Likewise, interventions focused on building and maintaining healthy relationships or the adaptation of couple‐based therapy from adult cancer practice may be a wise investment for the future of AYA who wish to form stable, sexually active intimate relationships leading to parenthood.…”

“…13,44 These factors, together with struggles in body image 16,41 and low self-esteem, 40 can lead to relationship conflict and lower overall quality of life. 42,44 The consequences of cancer on relationships in this cohort have most commonly been explored in young women with breast cancer, where the importance of couple communication was reported. 42 Promoting communication and resilience strategies to AYA to navigate altered body image and selfesteem during treatment and survivorship may reduce the likelihood of some sexual difficulties, however there is little evidence regarding which strategies are most effective.…”

“…42 Promoting communication and resilience strategies to AYA to navigate altered body image and selfesteem during treatment and survivorship may reduce the likelihood of some sexual difficulties, however there is little evidence regarding which strategies are most effective. 44,45 Likewise, interventions…”

Young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions: sexuality and relationships support

“…[9] To date, limited empirical work on sexuality and relationships has been carried out with this population [10] and that which does exist has focused on specific conditions or diseases. [11][12][13][14] This paper draws on an action research project designed to support young adults living with LLTCs with sexuality and relationships in the transition to adulthood.…”