A new doctoral study from Sweden's Karolinska Institutet has found that sexual difficulties are common among young people who have survived cancer treatment. The nature and severity of those difficulties shift considerably based on cancer type and how intensively the patient was treated. Charlotta Bergström, a nurse and doctoral student at the Karolinska Institutet, led the research, which covered more than 1,000 patients.
The study, part of Bergström's doctoral thesis, highlights a significant yet often overlooked aspect of cancer survivorship. Young adults, typically defined as those aged 18 to 39, face unique challenges after cancer treatment, including impacts on sexual health. The research underscores the need for healthcare providers to address these issues proactively.
Bergström emphasized that sexual problems can persist long after treatment ends, affecting quality of life and intimate relationships. The study found that patients who underwent more intensive treatments, such as certain chemotherapies or radiation, reported more severe sexual difficulties. Additionally, the type of cancer played a role, with survivors of gynecological and prostate cancers experiencing higher rates of sexual dysfunction.
The findings come as companies like CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP) continue their efforts toward developing next-generation cancer treatments. While advances in therapy improve survival rates, the study highlights the importance of considering long-term side effects.
Bergström called for more research and better clinical guidelines to help young survivors manage sexual health issues. She suggested that healthcare providers should routinely discuss sexual health with patients and offer referrals to specialists when needed. The study was published through TinyGems, a communications platform focusing on innovative small-cap and mid-cap companies.
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