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Review
. 2023 Aug;70(8):e28437.
doi: 10.1002/pbc.28437. Epub 2021 Dec 6.

Psychosexual functioning in cancer survivorship: What the pediatric oncologist needs to know

Natasha N Frederick  1 , Vicky Lehmann  2 , Astrid Ahler  3 , Kristen Carpenter  4 , Brooke Cherven  5 , James L Klosky  5 , Leena Nahata  6 , Gwendolyn P Quinn  7
Affiliations
Review

Psychosexual functioning in cancer survivorship: What the pediatric oncologist needs to know

Natasha N Frederick et al. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Sexual health may be disrupted in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) both during and after cancer treatment, irrespective of whether they are diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. Unfortunately, oncology providers often underestimate the relevance of psychosexual issues for AYAs and underprioritize sexual health throughout treatment and survivorship. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide information on (a) the etiology of psychosexual dysfunction in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and young adult survivors of childhood cancer; (b) strategies for communicating and evaluating potential sexual health issues of AYA patients/survivors; and (c) guidance for the practicing pediatric oncologist on how to address sexual health concerns with patients.

Keywords: adolescent and young adult cancer; psychosexual health; sexual dysfunction in pediatric cancer survivors; sexual health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The 5As Communication Model
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