Fex-Can Young Adult

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The research project Fex-Can Young Adult (YA) aims to investigate and reduce fertility-related distress and sexual problems among young adults (18-39 years) diagnosed with cancer. The project consists of two parts.

In the first part, approximately 1500 young adults diagnosed with selected cancer diagnoses were identified through Swedish National Cancer Registries. Potential study participants were approached and asked to respond to surveys to assess, for example, fertility-related distress and sexual function and satisfaction. In the second part of the project, an internet-delivered self-help program aiming to alleviate fertility-related distress and sexual problems following cancer was developed and evaluated.

Currently, we are working on the further development of the internet-delivered intervention. The intervention will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with an internal pilot phase.

Learn more about our projects below.

In the Fex-Can YA cohort study we examine fertility-related distress and sexual dysfunction during the first five years following a cancer diagnosis during young adulthood.

Participants responded to surveys 1.5, 3, and 5 years following cancer diagnosis. Surveys included questions to assess, for example, fertility-related distress, sexual function and satisfaction, body image, and physical and psychological health. A comparison group from the Swedish general population is also included in the study.

Learn more about the study in our study protocol:

Study protocol Fex-Can YA cohort study

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Within the Fex-Can YA project we also evaluate the efficacy of an internet-delivered self-help program. The program aims to alleviate fertility-related distress and sexual problems in young adults diagnosed with cancer.

The intervention was tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT), in which 262 participants were randomized to receive either the Fex-Can intervention, or to a standard care control condition.

The intervention was developed in collaboration with a group of co-researchers, consisting of young adults diagnosed with cancer, as well as close relatives of young adults diagnosed with cancer.

Learn more about the study in our study protocol:

Study protocol Fex-Can YA RCT

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A further development of the Fex-Can intervention

To continue and advance our work on increasing the access and quality of support and information about fertility and sexuality following cancer, we are working to further improve and refine our internet-delivered intervention (Fex-Can 2.0).

As a first step, feasibility will be assessed in an internal pilot study. Secondly, a randomized controlled trial will be performed to assess the efficacy of the intervention in reducing fertility-related distress and sexual problems.

This next generation of the intervention is being refined in collaboration with a group of co-researchers, consisting of young adults with a cancer experience.

Learn more about co-creation here

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