Abstract 2352: Sexual morbidity and gender disparities among young-onset colorectal cancer patients and survivors

Abstract

Abstract Rectal cancer incidence is rising dramatically among people younger than 50 years old. The risk has doubled four times for individuals born in the 1990s relative to those born in the 1970s. Previously, we and others showed that young-onset patients are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage of colorectal cancer when compared to patients of all ages, which would render aggressive treatments. There is limited data and public discussion on the long-term effects of colorectal cancer treatments on intimacy and sexual morbidity and their long-term impact on the quality of life especially among young cancer survivors who were developing their own social and financial responsibilities and establishing their life-long goals. To explore the unique challenges and unmet needs of the young-adult patient population, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Colorectal cancer patients and survivors (N=885) diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 50 years old (median age 42 ± 7.0) completed an online questionnaire that was based on established instruments including EORTC-QOL-30, EORTC-CR-29, and EORTC-SHC-22. Patients and survivors diagnosed at stage III reported worse outcomes. Patients' comprehension of radiation sexual-side effects was assessed based on self-reported discussions with their physicians. Prior to radiation, providers were significantly less likely to discuss the many sexual side-effects and long-term consequences of radiation and surgery with women than with men. Providers were also less likely to discuss fertility preservation, a notable issue with a strong impact on young cancer patients, with women than men prior to and during treatments, regardless of their parental status. While the majority of patients reported having sexual-dysfunction after treatment, women more frequently classified different aspects of their sexual dysfunction as being 'severe.' and expressed worse body image than men. Women were more likely to experience pain while more men reported reduction in sex drive. Additionally, a strong correlation was noted between sexual dysfunction and emotional exhaustion in all young-onset patients and survivors. Together, our survey demonstrates inadequate communications between patients and providers about the irreversible sexual side-effects of colorectal cancer treatments. Younger patients and survivors are facing unique long-term challenges and require further information about fertility preservation options and emotional support regarding their sexuality post-treatment. Citation Format: Tamara Springer, Kimberly Newcomer, Danielle Peterson, Ronit Yarden. Sexual morbidity and gender disparities among young-onset colorectal cancer patients and survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2352.