Exploring Sexual Health in Young Adults with Cancer in Denmark Using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Sexual Health Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-SH22)

Abstract

Purpose:

This study aimed to explore sexual health among young Danish cancer patients aged 18–39 years and to generate exploratory insights into how sexual health may differ by age, gender, treatment status, and treatment type.

Methods:

A descriptive observational study was conducted from January 2023 to September 2024. Participants completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Sexual Health Questionnaire. Sexual health outcomes were compared across age groups and gender, between participants undergoing treatment with those post-treatment, and participants that underwent surgery only versus those who received systemic treatment or/and radiation, with or without surgery.

Results:

Fifty-eight young adults participated (60.3% male, mean age 29 years); 67% had oncological cancers. The most frequently reported challenges involved communication with healthcare professionals, perceptions of femininity, and treatment’s impact on sexual activity. Female participants reported lower sexual satisfaction, reduced libido, more sexual pain, treatment impact on sexual activity, and higher fatigue than male participants. Those undergoing active treatment reported greater reduction of libido, treatment impact on sexual activity, and partner-related insecurity compared to those post-treatment. No considerable differences were found between age groups or treatment type.

Conclusions:

Young adults with cancer face sexual health challenges, regardless of age and treatment intensity. Female participants and those undergoing active treatment report a higher sexual health burden. These findings underscore the need for tailored interventions to address and support sexual health throughout the cancer trajectory.