Sexual health-related care needs among young adult cancer patients and survivors: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose Young adult cancer patients and survivors have age-specific care needs, but care needs related to sexual health are poorly understood. A systematic literature review was conducted to examine sexual health-related care needs among patients/survivors diagnosed with cancer during young adulthood (age: 18–39 years). The prevalence and types needs were assessed along with associated patient factors. Methods Four major databases were screened to identify relevant studies, which were also assessed for risk of bias; all following PRISMA guidelines. Results Identified studies (N = 35) often assessed sexual health-related care needs by whether participants experienced a generic need for support from providers. The prevalence of such needs ranged between 8 and 61.7% and was higher in female survivors and those with more health impairments. The type of diagnosis could also play a role in these varying prevalence rates, but was not systematically tested in included studies. Types of sexual health-related care needs were clustered into practical/emotional support needs (e.g., coping with physical side effects), information needs (e.g., more details), and communication needs (e.g., providers should initiate conversations, validate concerns, be empathetic/open). Needs should be addressed in-person and/or online. Conclusions The extent of needs related to sexual health varies among young adult patients and survivors, but types of needs center around improving provision of support and information by providers. Implications for Cancer Survivors Sexual health should routinely be addressed alongside other potential effects of cancer treatment to allow for constructive conversations between patients and providers. Referrals to (online) resources or specialists should be tailored to individual preferences.

Unmet Care Needs in Breast Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review

“…Albersreported that 80.4% of patients and 37.7% of companions had not received any information in that regard [61]. The results of Lehmann's study likewise showed that the level of sexual health needs had varied between young survivors and other individuals [62]. Therefore, the sexual health care program must become a part of the standard breast cancer care program.…”

Sexual Health Outcomes of Adolescent and Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Survivors and Their Partners: Protocol of a Dyadic Mixed Methods Study

“…Addressing changes in sexual function and their implications for psychosocial and clinical outcomes is essential to quality cancer care; yet, it is often challenging to translate this knowledge into routine practices inclusive of cosurvivors [ 20 , 57 ]. The expected outcomes of this investigation are to (1) characterize sexual function, sexual distress, and dyadic coping of adolescent and young adult CRC survivors and partners through validated measures; (2) provide a deeper understanding of the challenges couples experience as they navigate sexual intimacy after CRC treatment by highlighting the role of interpersonal processes; and (3) use the findings to develop and test interventions supporting the recovery of sexual intimacy of young couples coping with CRC.…”

“…The expected outcomes of this investigation are to (1) characterize sexual function, sexual distress, and dyadic coping of adolescent and young adult CRC survivors and partners through validated measures; (2) provide a deeper understanding of the challenges couples experience as they navigate sexual intimacy after CRC treatment by highlighting the role of interpersonal processes; and (3) use the findings to develop and test interventions supporting the recovery of sexual intimacy of young couples coping with CRC. Sexual dysfunction and altered intimacy with a partner are salient factors impairing long-term quality of life and emotional well-being [ 20 , 69 , 116 ]. Through the identification of individual, partner, and relationship-level factors that shape how couples negotiate the loss elicited by the illness and redefine their sexual experience or repertoire, this work will inform the development of a couple-based intervention that promotes intimacy by enhancing coping and communication skills.…”

“…In conclusion, sexual health problems are among the most distressing consequences of the disease for young patients with CRC, with recent literature documenting the lack of evidence-based approaches tailored to their experience, preferences, and needs [ 12 , 20 , 55 , 127 ]. This study seeks to fill this gap by involving survivors and their partners to generate a dyadic model of sexual functioning and intimacy.…”

“…Hence, there is a critical need to investigate interpersonal characteristics that influence adolescent and young adult cancer survivors and their partners’ experience with sexual dysfunction. This knowledge gap affects the provision of comprehensive sexual health care for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors [ 12 , 19 , 20 , 35 ] and the development of interventions tailored to the needs of individuals and couples at higher risk of sexual distress during survivorship.…”