TY - JOUR
T1 - Sexuality, intimacy, and body image among adolescents and young adults with cancer
T2 - a qualitative, explorative study
AU - Bentsen, Line
AU - Aagesen, Maria
AU - Bidstrup, Pernille
AU - Hjerming, Maiken
AU - Pappot, Helle
N1 - © 2024. The Author(s).
PY - 2024/3/9
Y1 - 2024/3/9
N2 - AIM: The aim of this study was threefold: (1) to explore Danish adolescents and young adults' (AYAs) thoughts concerning sexual health particularly focusing on sexuality, intimacy, and body image throughout a cancer trajectory, (2) to investigate how AYAs experience healthcare professionals address of- and respond to sexual health issues, and (3) to identify AYAs' suggestions on how to support conversation about sexual health.METHODS: A qualitative, single-center study was conducted, including AYAs (18-29 years) diagnosed with cancer recruited at the University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted from January-February 2023, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis.RESULTS: Twelve participants were interviewed, aged 20-29; five were diagnosed with hematological- and seven with oncological cancer. Our analyses yielded three themes: (1) sexuality and body image as part of the identity, (2) excluding relatives in conversations about sexual health, and (3) uncertainty how to discuss sexual health with healthcare professionals. Finally, the AYAs' suggestions to support conversations about sexual health were organized into six thematic categories.CONCLUSION: In this study, participants experienced altered sexual subsequent impacts on body image and self-esteem during their cancer trajectory. While some adapted to these changes, discussing them with healthcare providers was difficult, especially in the presence of relatives, as the AYAs wanted to shield them from additional concerns. To enhance support, AYAs suggest regular discussions on sexual health and the use of a dialog tool by healthcare professionals.
AB - AIM: The aim of this study was threefold: (1) to explore Danish adolescents and young adults' (AYAs) thoughts concerning sexual health particularly focusing on sexuality, intimacy, and body image throughout a cancer trajectory, (2) to investigate how AYAs experience healthcare professionals address of- and respond to sexual health issues, and (3) to identify AYAs' suggestions on how to support conversation about sexual health.METHODS: A qualitative, single-center study was conducted, including AYAs (18-29 years) diagnosed with cancer recruited at the University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted from January-February 2023, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis.RESULTS: Twelve participants were interviewed, aged 20-29; five were diagnosed with hematological- and seven with oncological cancer. Our analyses yielded three themes: (1) sexuality and body image as part of the identity, (2) excluding relatives in conversations about sexual health, and (3) uncertainty how to discuss sexual health with healthcare professionals. Finally, the AYAs' suggestions to support conversations about sexual health were organized into six thematic categories.CONCLUSION: In this study, participants experienced altered sexual subsequent impacts on body image and self-esteem during their cancer trajectory. While some adapted to these changes, discussing them with healthcare providers was difficult, especially in the presence of relatives, as the AYAs wanted to shield them from additional concerns. To enhance support, AYAs suggest regular discussions on sexual health and the use of a dialog tool by healthcare professionals.
KW - Humans
KW - Young Adult
KW - Adolescent
KW - Body Image
KW - Sexual Behavior
KW - Sexuality
KW - Sexual Partners
KW - Neoplasms
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85187190713&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s00520-024-08405-6
DO - 10.1007/s00520-024-08405-6
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 38460054
SN - 0941-4355
VL - 32
SP - 219
JO - Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
JF - Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
IS - 4
M1 - 219
ER -