Sexual functioning among young adult cancer patients: A 2‐year longitudinal study

Acquati, Chiara; Zebrack, Brad; Faul, Anna C.; Embry, Leanne; Aguilar, Christine; Block, Rebecca; Hayes‐Lattin, Brandon; Freyer, David R.; Cole, Steve W.

doi:10.1002/cncr.31030

Cited by 69 publications

(82 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Clinician education should build upon current discussions of fertility risk and preservation strategies to include safe sex practices during therapy, contraception, and increased risk for sexually transmitted infections . Education interventions must also address AYAs’ elevated risk for sexual dysfunction during and after cancer treatment . Given the physical and emotional implications of sexual dysfunction, it is imperative for oncology clinicians to address sexual health for the purposes of early detection of patient problems and intervention.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A qualitative study of sexual and reproductive health communication with adolescent and young adult oncology patients

Frederick

Revette

Michaud

et al. 2019

Pediatric Blood & Cancer

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Background Adolescent and young adult patients with cancer (AYAs) identify sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as an important but often neglected aspect of their comprehensive cancer care. The purpose of this study was to explore AYA perceptions and experiences of SRH communication with oncology clinicians. Methods Twenty‐three AYA patients and survivors ages 15‐25 years from a large academic oncology center participated in semistructured qualitative interviews investigating their experiences discussing SRH issues, including specific topics discussed, conversation barriers and facilitators, suggestions for clinicians on how to improve conversations, and education and resource needs. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded using a thematic analysis approach. Results Interviews with AYAs revealed two primary themes—a need for oncology clinicians to discuss SRH and critical gaps in current SRH communication practices. AYAs reported a need for improved SRH communication for the purposes of general education, addressing specific SRH issues experienced, and understanding the long‐term impact of cancer and treatment on SRH. The current communication gaps are exacerbated by patient discomfort initiating conversations and the presence of family members. AYAs shared six key recommendations for clinicians on how to improve SRH communication. Conclusions AYAs identify a role for oncology clinicians in discussing SRH as a primary aspect of comprehensive health care during cancer treatment and in survivorship; however, multiple gaps and barriers interfere with such discussions. Future efforts must focus on clinician education and training in SRH as well as education and intervention opportunities for AYAs to optimize the care provided.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A qualitative study of sexual and reproductive health communication with adolescent and young adult oncology patients

Frederick

Revette

Michaud

et al. 2019

Pediatric Blood & Cancer

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…The hallmark of an adult is the acquisition of mature and healthy coping mechanisms that allow an individual to negotiate the challenges of an adult society . AYA patients who are maturing appropriately before a cancer diagnosis report decreased ability to hold a job, complete education, and maintain mature relationships both during and after a cancer diagnosis, indicating that their psychological development may slow, stop, or even regress (Table ) . Because of these unique developmental considerations, the AYA population has multiple needs that occur during and after therapy .…”

Section: Improving Outcomes Of Ayas With Cancermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…59 AYA patients who are matur ing appropriately before a cancer diagnosis report decreased ability to hold a job, complete education, and maintain ma ture relationships both during and after a cancer diagnosis, indicating that their psychological development may slow, stop, or even regress (Table 5). 2,60 Because of these unique developmental considerations, the AYA population has multiple needs that occur during and after therapy. 2,6164 Medical systems and providers must recognize that the AYA age group requires specialized teaching and increased psy chological support when discussing therapies and experi encing the rigors and side effects of treatment.…”

Section: Psychosocial Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adolescent and young adult oncology—past, present, and future

Dreyzin

Miller

et al. 2019

CA A Cancer J Clinicians

164

114

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There are nearly 70,000 new cancer diagnoses made annually in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in the United States. Historically, AYA patients with cancer, aged 15 to 39 years, have not shown the same improved survival as older or younger cohorts. This article reviews the contemporary cancer incidence and survival data through 2015 for the AYA patient population based on the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry program and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. Mortality data through 2016 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics are also described. Encouragingly, absolute and relative increases in 5‐year survival for AYA cancers have paralleled those of childhood cancers since the year 2000. There has been increasing attention to these vulnerable patients and improved partnerships and collaboration between adult and pediatric oncology; however, obstacles to the care of this population still occur at multiple levels. These vulnerabilities fall into 3 significant categories: research efforts and trial enrollment directed toward AYA malignancies, access to care and insurance coverage, and AYA‐specific psychosocial support. It is critical for providers and health care delivery systems to recognize that the AYA population remains vulnerable to provider and societal complacency.

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“…The AYA‐Health Outcomes and Patient Experience (AYA HOPE) cohort study reported the prevalence of sexual problems to be 49% and 43%, within 1 and 2 years after diagnosis, respectively . Likewise Acquati et al found over 50% of study participants reported sexual dysfunction at three measured time points (<4 , 6, and 24 months) from diagnosis.…”

Section: The Impact Of Cancer On Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Sexuamentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Despite sexuality being integral to psychosocial health and identity formation, the impact of cancer on AYA's sexual function has been largely overlooked, with the aim to cure, treatment and symptom management understandably taking priority . Though research suggests AYA express concern about sexual functioning, few studies examine this in relation to specific diagnoses. The brief overview in Table and review by Stanton et al .…”

Section: The Impact Of Cancer On Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Sexuamentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexuality and cancer: The experience of adolescents and young adults

Soanes

White

2018

Pediatric Blood & Cancer

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There are many components affecting the experience of sexuality for adolescents and young adults living with and beyond cancer. For patients, the interruption to normal socialization creates gaps in information and experience that potentially hinder development. In clinical practice, conversations relating to sexual consequences of illness or treatment are rare, as are age-appropriate assessment and intervention. In service design, the collaborative approach of oncofertility has yet to be replicated for sexuality. This paper considers how these obstacles can be overcome through local service development to address unmet need and promote sexual well-being for this group of patients.

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Sexual functioning among young adult cancer patients: A 2‐year longitudinal study

Cited by 69 publications

References 38 publications

A qualitative study of sexual and reproductive health communication with adolescent and young adult oncology patients

A qualitative study of sexual and reproductive health communication with adolescent and young adult oncology patients

Adolescent and young adult oncology—past, present, and future

Sexuality and cancer: The experience of adolescents and young adults

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