doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.04.005

Paper Title

Romantic and Sexual Relationships, Body Image, and Fertility in Adolescent and Young Adult Testicular Cancer Survivors: A Review of the Literature

Authors

James Dennis Fortenberry

Melissa Y. Carpentier

Keywords

testicular cancer
survivorship
adolescent and young adult cancer survivors
romantic relationships
sexual relationships
body image
fertility
sexual function
psychological adjustment
partnered vs. unpartnered survivors
cancer and sexual health
developmental research
oncology
cancer survivorship research
health outcomes
cancer treatment effects
reproductive health
mental health
psychosocial well-being
research gaps
future directions in cancer survivorship studies

Article Type

Research Article

Journal

Journal of Adolescent Health

Research Impact Tools

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.04.005

Issue

Volume : 47 | Issue : 2 | Page No : 115–125

Published On

August, 2010

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Abstract

This review presents a summary of existing knowledge regarding the effect of testicular cancer along four broad domains, including romantic and sexual relationships, body image, and fertility. A total of 37 studies were reviewed. Of note, most research consists of older adult testicular cancer survivors, with very little research attention afforded to adolescent and young adult survivorship. Relationship status (i.e., partnered versus unpartnered) appears to play an important role as it relates to adjustment outcomes in testicular cancer survivors. In addition, sexual function (and thereby fertility) and body image are also frequently compromised. Implications regarding a lack of developmentally focused research on adolescent and young adult testicular cancer survivorship are discussed, along with recommendations for new research.