Sexual dysfunction among adolescent and young adult cancer patients: Diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Abstract

Purpose of reviewWe present a review for healthcare professionals, formulated by a multidisciplinary team, for screening and interventions, describing common sexual impairments encountered by adolescent and young adult cancer patients (AYACP), and suggest a comprehensive evidence-based assessment approach and interventions for treatment of sexual dysfunction (SD).Recent findingsWe discuss the various aspects of SD in AYACP, including causes, challenges and etiologies, and then go on to recommend increased awareness and guidance in healthcare workers, in order to optimize diagnosis and treatment of SD.SummaryAlthough the extent of SD among AYACP is widely recognized, oncological clinicians rarely address SD in their routine practice, lacking a clear approach of interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Here, we suggest guiding clinical management to optimize treatment quality.