CALGARY- A Calgary researcher is looking at how cancer treatment impacts the way teens develop their sexual identities and romantic relationship skills.
“We really think it’s important to take a look at adolescents and how it is that they, in the face of cancer, are able to obtain sexual knowledge, begin sexual exploration and more importantly develop a sense of themselves,” says Nancy Moules, a researcher with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute.
As more young people survive pediatric cancers, researchers are learning more about the long term impact treatment can have on their lives. Research published in 2009 found survivors are 20 to 25 per cent less likely to get married. Now, a Calgary study is looking to learn more about why survivors seem to struggle with romantic relationships.
Matthew Frank, a third year nursing student who is also a three year cancer survivor, is taking part in the study.
“It was really sudden. I was showing some symptoms, I saw the doctor and then at 19 years old, I had cancer.”
Frank was diagnosed with two types of brain cancer and over the next year he was treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other drugs. He lost his hair, gained 40 pounds and while he eventually emerged cancer free, his self-esteem suffered.
“The confidence things has been a struggle when it comes to women,” he admits. “I’m sort of having to relearn it.”
Moules says Frank’s experiences can help health professionals better support young cancer patients in the future.
“It’s not that we’re going to delve into their personal life or their own sexuality,” she explains. “The interviews are meant to help us understand what might have been helpful to them during a period of time they were experiencing cancer and having treatment.”
This study has received the University of Calgary first ever grant from the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The charity was inspired by four-year-old Alex Scott, who in 2000 announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for children with cancer. Although Alex passed away in 2004, the charity has gone on to raise $65 million for pediatric cancer research projects.
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