Sexual Health Should be Part of AYA Survivorship Care

Sexual health represents a large unmet need in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer care, and a recent presentation from the 2026 American Psychosocial Oncology Society Annual Meeting showed that these conversations should be integrated into survivorship care.

Assessing the Scope of Sexual Health Challenges

A study led by Chiara Acquati, PhD, LGSW, FOASW, of the University of Minnesota Medical School, examined sexual function and satisfaction among AYA cancer survivors compared a matched control group, with reports on perceived changes in sexual function since cancer treatment.¹ The research team utilized a sample of 174 AYA survivors (ages 18-39 at diagnosis) and 348 age-, sex-, and relationship status-matched healthy controls. Participants completed validated self-report measures, including the Medical Outcomes Study Sexual Functioning Scale (MOS-SF) and the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX).

Data demonstrated a significant decline in sexual health following a cancer diagnosis. Survivors reported significantly worse sexual function compared with their perceived pre-diagnosis levels, with the most pronounced declines observed among female survivors and those not currently engaged in partnered sexual activity. Notably, worse outcomes were observed in survivors diagnosed in their 30s reported, those who remained with the same partner throughout treatment, and those earlier into survivorship.

When compared with healthy controls, AYA survivors reported lower overall sexual satisfaction and higher rates of sexual dysfunction. According to study authors, approximately 30% to 60% of AYA survivors report unmet sexual health needs, particularly in female survivors.

Feasibility of Digital Interventions

Given the documented unmet needs, researchers are exploring accessible, developmentally appropriate interventions. A pilot study presented by Ilayna Mehrtens, PhD, of the University of Chicago, evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based sexual education program for female AYA survivors called OMGYes.com.² While data are still being collected, authors previewed efficacy findings of the program as well.

The platform provides evidence-based information regarding female sexual pleasure and function.

Preliminary data from this randomized controlled trial included 13 cisgender women from ages 18 to 45 years, primarily survivors of leukemia or lymphoma, with a mean age of 30.92 years (SD, 7.79). The baseline data reinforced Acquati et al.’s findings, with 91.67% of participants endorsing at least 1 sexual health issue post-treatment (mean, 2.08; SD, 1.62). Furthermore, 85% of the women perceived their bodies as “damaged” following cancer therapy, and 77% reported significant distress related to challenges post treatment.

Early results regarding the intervention are promising: Among participants who completed the initial modules of the program, 100% rated the intervention as feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. Moreover, preliminary effectiveness data suggested a significant improvement in sexual pleasure scores, as measured by the Amsterdam Sexual Pleasure Index (ASPI), from pre-intervention (mean, 4.01; SD, 0.58) to post-intervention (mean, 4.81; SD, .95; P = .013).

Clinical Implications for Oncology Nurses

For oncology nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs), these findings emphasize the necessity of integrating sexual health assessments into routine survivorship care. The data suggest that sexual dysfunction is a long-term survivorship concern that impacts body image and psychological distress.^1,2

The success of the OMGYes.com pilot indicates that self-directed, online educational tools may offer a confidential and convenient avenue for survivors to address these concerns, particularly for those who may feel uncomfortable discussing sexuality in a clinical setting.² Addressing these unmet needs is critical to mitigating the enduring consequences of cancer on a survivor’s overall quality of life.

References

1. Acquati C, den Oudsten B, Both S, Lehmann V. Sexual health after cancer during adolescence and young adulthood: perceived changes and comparisons to healthy controls. Presented at: 23rd Annual American Psychosocial Oncology Society Conference; March 18-20, 2026. New Orleans, LA. Abstract W131.
2. Mehrtens I, Siston AK, Duvall A. Supporting sexual health in female AYA cancer survivors: preliminary feasibility results of a web-based sexual education program. Presented at: 23rd Annual American Psychosocial Oncology Society Conference; March 18-20, 2026. New Orleans, LA. Abstract W132.