There are several psychosocial factors that can affect an individual diagnosed with cancer (Holland, 2003), and directly addressing these issues with patients is important for their overall care and quality of life (Holland, 1998). The practice of psycho-oncology has been designed to assess these psychosocial issues with patients and their caregivers by means of outlets such as support groups to facilitate a wellness model of care (Myers & Sweeney, 2008). Using the demographics of age and sex, I plan to analyze and identify what psychosocial needs are significant to individuals diagnosed with cancer, and compare the sex and age of two significantly represented patient age groups 18-40 and 41-80 years old. I will survey the patients of Tulane Cancer Center in New Orleans, Louisiana when they arrive for medical treatment at the facility. The survey will include a demographic page, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G (Version 4), the Body Image Scale (BIS), the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-Short Form (CSFQ-14), and additional questions regarding the extent to which an individual would attend a support group designed for their specific age and sex demographic. Through data analysis, I hope to discover whether any of the variables of body image, sexual functioning, physical well being, social/family well being, emotional well being, and functional well being show significant differences between the male or female young adult population of 18-40 year olds and those patients who are 41-80 years old. The findings should allow psycho-oncology clinicians to utilize this knowledge to address what psychosocial needs are appropriate for each age and sex group, and thus enhance the overall care of the patient.

Background Relational intimacy is hypothesized to underlie the association between female sexual functioning and various sexual outcomes, and married women and women with sexual dysfunction have been generally absent from prior studies investigating these associations, thus restricting generalizability. Aim To investigate whether relational intimacy mediates sexual outcomes (sexual satisfaction, coital frequency, and sexual distress) in a sample of married women with and without impaired sexual functioning presenting in clinical settings. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, 64 heterosexual married women with (n = 44) and without (n = 20) impaired sexual functioning completed a battery of validated measurements assessing relational intimacy, sexual dysfunction, sexual frequency, satisfaction, and distress. Intimacy measurements were combined using latent factor scores before analysis. Bias-corrected mediation models of the indirect effect were used to test mediation effects. Moderated mediation models examined whether indirect effects were influenced by age and marital duration. Outcomes Patients completed the Female Sexual Function Index, the Couple's Satisfaction Index, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, the Inclusion of the Other in the Self Scale, and the Miller Social Intimacy Test. Results Mediation models showed that impaired sexual functioning is associated with all sexual outcomes directly and indirectly through relational intimacy. Results were predominantly independent of age and marital duration. Clinical Implications Findings have important treatment implications for modifying interventions to focus on enhancing relational intimacy to improve the sexual functioning of women with impaired sexual functioning. Strengths and Limitations The importance of the role relational intimacy plays in broad sexual outcomes of women with impaired sexual functioning is supported in clinically referred and married women. Latent factor scores to improve estimation of study constructs and the use of contemporary mediation analysis also are strengths. The cross-sectional design precludes any causal conclusions and it is unknown whether the results generalize to male partners, partners within other relationship structures, and non-heterosexual couples. Conclusion Greater relational intimacy mitigates the adverse impact of impaired sexual functioning on sexual behavior and satisfaction in women. Witherow MP, Chandraiah S, Seals SR, et al. Relational Intimacy Mediates Sexual Outcomes Associated With Impaired Sexual Function: Examination in a Clinical Sample. J Sex Med 2017;14:843–851.

Bakgrund Gynekologisk cancer drabbar många kvinnor globalt och är ett samlingsnamn för äggstockscancer, vulvacancer, livmoderhalscancer och livmodercancer. Vanliga behandlingsmetoder inkluderar strålbehandling, cellgiftsbehandling (cytostatika) och kirurgi. Dessa behandlingsmetoder kan leda till påtagliga biverkningar som kan påverka den sexuella funktionen. Sexualitet utgör en viktig del av människans välbefinnande och har betydelse för övergripande hälsa. Det är dock viktigt att notera att upplevelsen av sexualitet är subjektiv och variationer kan förekomma bland individer. Rätten till sexuell och reproduktiv hälsa är universell, och hälso- och sjukvården bör sträva efter att tillgodose och främja denna rättighet genom att tillhandahålla information och resurser på ett personcentrerat sätt. Syfte Syftet var att beskriva upplevelser av sexuell hälsa vid gynekologisk cancer. Metod ​​En allmän litteraturöversikt som undersökt vetenskapliga originalartiklar från databaserna Cinahl Complete och PubMed. För att hitta dessa artiklar användes Mesh-termer och Cinahl Subject Headings och sökord relaterade till sexuell hälsa och gynekologisk cancer. Sökningen resulterade i elva utvalda artiklar som användes till resultatet. Resultat Denna litteraturöversikt fann att gynekologisk cancer och dess behandling negativt påverkar kvinnors sexualitet genom fysiska och känslomässiga förändringar, inklusive minskad sexlust och påverkan på relationer. Bristande informationsutbyte och stöd från sjukvårdspersonal ökar osäkerhet och lidande. Denna litteraturöversikt identifierade fyra teman relaterade till kvinnor som diagnostiseras och behandlas för gynekologisk cancer: sexuell funktion, kroppsbild och kvinnlig identitet, relationstillfredsställelse och kontakt med vården. Slutsats ​​Kvinnors sexualitet påverkades i olika grad av en gynekologisk cancerdiagnos och medföljande behandling. Det framkom dock att dessa upplevelser skiljde sig från person till person vilket förtydligar vikten av ett personcentrerat och holistiskt perspektiv i mötet med dessa personer. Ytterligare forskning krävs för att vidare undersöka kulturella skillnader, åldersskillnader och upplevelser hos dessa kvinnor. / Background Gynecological cancer affects many women worldwide and encompasses ovarian cancer, vulvar cancer, cervical cancer, and uterine cancer. Common treatment methods include radiation therapy, chemotherapy (cytostatics), and surgical interventions. These treatment modalities may entail challenging side effects that can impact sexual functioning. Sexuality is a crucial aspect of human life and influences overall health. However, sexuality is subjective, and cultural differences in the experience of sexuality may exist. Everyone has the right to sexual and reproductive health, and it is essential for healthcare to meet and promote these needs through, among other things, personalized information and resources.​ Aim The aim was to describe experiences of sexual when effected with gynecological cancer​. Method A general literature review that examined scientific original articles from the Cinahl Complete and PubMed databases. To find these articles, Mesh terms and Cinahl Subject Headings, as well as keywords related to sexual health and gynecological cancer, were used. These resulted in eleven selected articles. Results This literature review found that gynecological cancer and its treatment negatively impact women's sexuality through physical and emotional changes, including decreased libido and effects on relationships. Insufficient information exchange and support from healthcare professionals increase insecurity and suffering. This literature review identified four themes related to women diagnosed and treated for gynecological cancer: sexual function, body image and female identity, relationship satisfaction, and healthcare communication. Conclusions Women's sexuality was variably affected by a diagnosis of gynecological cancer and its accompanying treatments. However, it became evident that these experiences differed among individuals, underscoring the significance of a person-centered and holistic perspective when engaging with these individuals. Further research is warranted to explore cultural variations, age-related differences, and the unique experiences of these women.​