Troubles sexuels d'adolescents et de jeunes adultes (15-25Â ans) en cancérologie

Sexuality is still a taboo subject, which is rarely addressed in health centers. Oncology is no exception. We were interested in adolescents and young adults in care for cancer or in remission of it. This age often corresponds with entry into genital sexuality for these young people. Adolescence and sexuality's problems are mixed with cancer's difficulties. Is there a place for an emotional and sexual life in their daily life, necessarily medicalized? To answer this question 40 semi-directive interviews were made and analyzed among adolescents and young adults (15 to 25 years old). Interviews focus on intimacy and sexuality of young people during treatment or in remission of cancer. Our interviews reveal sexual difficulties such as sexual desire inhibition, erectile dysfunction, dyspareunia, vaginismus or compulsive masturbations episodes. These difficulties are common during treatment and seem to persist when young people are in remission. Our interviews also highlight the lack of information and support from health professionals. Indeed, young patients report a complete lack of information and help with their sexuality. Opening on patients' intimacy only appears through procreation. Young patients receive very quickly information about gametes' preservations without having been questioned about there intimate and sexual life, without even having been informed about the possible effects induced by cancer and its treatments on sexuality. These difficulties are sources of questioning, anxiety and impact patients' life. Information, support and sexuality therapy can prevent psychosexual disorders onset.