Identity, image, and sexuality in young adults with cancer.
The impact of disease and treatment on a young adult's self-image and sexuality has been largely overlooked. This is surprising given that establishing social and romantic relationships is a normal occurrence in young adulthood. This article describes three female patients' cancer journeys and demonstrates how their experiences have impacted their psychosocial function and self-regard. The themes of body image, self-esteem, and identity formation are explored, in relation to implications for relationship-building and moving beyond a cancer diagnosis. This article has been written by young cancer survivors, Danielle Tindle, Kelly Denver, and Faye Lilley, in an effort to elucidate the ongoing struggle to reconcile cancer into a normal young adult's life.
Tindle
Danielle
D
Leukaemia Foundation of Australia, Young Adults Program, Australia. dtindle@qut.com
Denver
Kelly
K
Lilley
Faye
F
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012649:Self Concept; D019529:Sexuality; D012933:Social Identification; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*