Prevalence and Impact of Sexual Complaints on Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Sub-Study

J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2025 May 7. doi: 10.1089/jayao.2024.0150. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer face unique psychosocial challenges, including sexual complaints. Despite the prevalence of these sexual issues, they are underexplored in AYA oncology care. The aim of this study is firstly to examine the prevalence of sexual complaints among AYAs with cancer across genders, age groups, and types of cancer. Second, we explore the association between sexual complaints and depressive symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional sub-study included 305 AYAs (aged 15-39 at diagnosis) actively affiliated with the oncology department at Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sexual complaints and depressive symptoms. Sexual problems, distress, satisfaction, and willingness to discuss these issues were analyzed alongside demographic, clinical, and treatment data. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses evaluated associations with depressive symptoms. Results: Sexual problems affected 63.9% of AYAs, 49.5% experienced sexual distress, and 58.4% were dissatisfied with their sexual lives. Younger AYAs reported higher sexual satisfaction than older AYAs. Sexual distress, dissatisfaction, and reluctance to discuss sexual issues were associated with increased depressive symptoms in the univariate analysis. In the multivariable model, sexual distress remained independently associated with depressive symptoms, alongside age at diagnosis, civil status, cancer type, and pain. Conclusion: Sexual complaints, particularly distress, are prevalent among AYAs with cancer and are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Integrating routine discussions about sexual health into oncology care could probably improve mental health outcomes and overall quality of life for this vulnerable group. Future research should focus on targeted interventions to address these interconnected challenges.

PMID:40331239 | DOI:10.1089/jayao.2024.0150