When Childhood Cancer Survivors Face Sexual Challenges.

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) face unique challenges, including a higher risk of early mortality, secondary cancers, and long-term clinical and psychosocial issues. Sexual dysfunction is a common late effect among CCS, with disruptions caused by cancer and its treatment interfering with normal physiological and psychological development. A recent review of 22 studies found that CCS often reached key stages of psychosexual development later than average, and many reported issues such as a lack of interest in sex, difficulty enjoying sex, and difficulty becoming aroused. Factors influencing sexual function in CCS include demographic, treatment-related, psychological, and physiological factors. Female survivors and those who underwent more intensive treatments were more likely to experience sexual dysfunction. Psychological factors such as emotional distress and body image concerns also played a significant role. Physiological factors, such as low testosterone levels and endocrine disorders, contributed to sexual dysfunction in male CCS. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Internal Medicine News is the property of Frontline Medical Communications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)