Abby R Rosenberg1, Kira Bona2, Tyler Ketterl3, Claire M Wharton4, Joanne Wolfe5, K Scott Baker3. 1. Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington. Electronic address: abby.rosenberg@seattlechildrens.org. 2. Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. 3. Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington. 4. Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington. 5. Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The prevalence of intimacy and substance use among adolescents and young adults during cancer therapy has not been well described. METHODS: The "Resilience in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer" study was a prospective, multicenter, mixed-methods cohort study. English-speaking patients 14-25 years old with newly diagnosed cancer were invited to complete a comprehensive survey at the time of enrollment (T1) and 3-6 months later (T2). Intimate relationships and health behaviors were assessed with questions adapted from the Guidelines for Adolescent Preventative Services assessment. Descriptive statistics characterized the prevalence of sexual and substance-related behaviors at each time point. RESULTS: Of 42 eligible and enrolled participants, 35 (83%) and 25 (59%) completed T1 and T2 surveys, respectively. Their mean age was 17.6 years (standard deviation 2.3), 57% were male, and the most common diagnoses were sarcoma and acute leukemia. Over a third of participants reported dating at each time point; 26% were sexually active at T1, and 32% at T2. Of those endorsing sexual activity, fewer than half reported consistent birth control or condom use and 4 reported their first sexual intercourse during our observation. In addition, 46% (T1) and 44% (T2) reported alcohol use and 23% (T1) and 26% (T2) reported illicit drug use. Despite these activities, fewer than 10% endorsed a worry or need to discuss these behaviors with oncology providers. CONCLUSIONS: Intimacy and substance use among adolescents and young adults are common during cancer therapy. Clinical and research implications include the identification of optimal communication and patient-centered supports. Copyright Â
PURPOSE: The prevalence of intimacy and substance use among adolescents and young adults during cancer therapy has not been well described. METHODS: The "Resilience in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer" study was a prospective, multicenter, mixed-methods cohort study. English-speaking patients 14-25 years old with newly diagnosed cancer were invited to complete a comprehensive survey at the time of enrollment (T1) and 3-6 months later (T2). Intimate relationships and health behaviors were assessed with questions adapted from the Guidelines for Adolescent Preventative Services assessment. Descriptive statistics characterized the prevalence of sexual and substance-related behaviors at each time point. RESULTS: Of 42 eligible and enrolled participants, 35 (83%) and 25 (59%) completed T1 and T2 surveys, respectively. Their mean age was 17.6 years (standard deviation 2.3), 57% were male, and the most common diagnoses were sarcoma and acute leukemia. Over a third of participants reported dating at each time point; 26% were sexually active at T1, and 32% at T2. Of those endorsing sexual activity, fewer than half reported consistent birth control or condom use and 4 reported their first sexual intercourse during our observation. In addition, 46% (T1) and 44% (T2) reported alcohol use and 23% (T1) and 26% (T2) reported illicit drug use. Despite these activities, fewer than 10% endorsed a worry or need to discuss these behaviors with oncology providers. CONCLUSIONS: Intimacy and substance use among adolescents and young adults are common during cancer therapy. Clinical and research implications include the identification of optimal communication and patient-centered supports. Copyright Â
Authors: Giselle K Perez; John M Salsman; Kaitlyn Fladeboe; Anne C Kirchhoff; Elyse R Park; Abby R Rosenberg Journal: Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book Date: 2020-03
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