P53 Sex, body image and relationships: young people with cancer information and support preferences

Abstract

Community Engagement. Communications Conclusion Promoting collaboration and supporting relationships between early career professionals is key within the adolescent healthcare field. Facilitating mentorship between the IAAH Young Professionals Network and IAAH Council fosters knowledge dissemination and leadership opportunities. The IAAH Young Professionals Network encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including, but not limited to: students, trainees, early career professionals (including health care providers, researchers, public health practitioners, advocates, scientists, social workers, pharmacists, nutritionists, health allies) who have a strong interest and/or experience in the adolescent health field. To the best of the authors knowledge, the IAAH-YPN network is the first global, inter-disciplinary global adolescent health initiative of its kind.

The Needs and Experiences of Post-Treatment Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

“…AYA-focused interventions delivered on platforms that are acceptable and accessible to AYAs are urgently needed. Embarrassment about discussing topics related to body image and/or sexuality is also a common barrier [57] and may prevent AYAs from having an open discussion about their needs and concerns. This is especially true for AYAs who identify as a sexual and/or gender minority [58].…”

“…This is especially true for AYAs who identify as a sexual and/or gender minority [58]. While some AYAs prefer healthcare providers to offer face-to-face opportunities to discuss these issues, many younger patients may prefer practical written information or links to on-line information [57]. Bolte and Zebrack (2008) provide a very practical guide to initiating conversations about sexual issues and addressing sexuality in this population and suggest addressing sexual health issues with AYAs soon after diagnosis in order to normalize these discussions throughout treatment and survivorship and to have a member of the treatment team designated as the "sexual health expert" to ensure systematic and standardized assessments and information provision [51].…”