THOUGH penis cancer remains rare, experts have sounded the alarm over a worrying rise in cases.
Researchers say penile cancer cases across the world could increase by up to 77 per cent by 2050.
Although developing countries are bearing the brunt of this worrying trend, they observed an significant increase in “most European countries”.
The NHS says there are around 760 cases of penile cancer in the UK each year.
Yet that number is up 28 per cent on cases in the 1990s — and Cancer Research UK predicts the figure will hit 1,100 a year by 2040.
According to Dr Colin Michie, deputy lead at the University of Central Lancashire’s School of Medicine, ageing populations are a major driver of cases.
“Other risk factors include a narrowed foreskin, poor genital hygiene and smoking tobacco,” he added, writing in The Conversation.
Penile cancer can often be mistaken for an STI in its early stages and usually makes itself known through a sore on the penis that doesn’t heal or a strong-smelling discharge.
But due to the intimate nature of the disease, many men may delay getting treatment out of shame.
Dr Michie said: “Diagnosing penis cancer is often delayed because patients experience guilt or embarrassment
“Many men report self-medicating with antimicrobial or steroid creams while putting off an appointment with a doctor.
“Doctors often contribute to delays, too, as lesions are sometimes wrongly classified as benign.
If malignant cells have spread to the groin lymph glands, the chance of a cure is much lower, so speedy diagnosis and treatment are important.”
From sores to bleeding and rashes, here are the red flag signs of penile cancer to know amid a rise in cases.
1. Growths and sores
Cancer can develop anywhere on the penis but it most commonly develops under the foreskin in men who haven’t been circumcised or the head or tip of the penis – this is known as the glans.
One of the first signs of the disease is a growth or sore that hasn’t healed after four weeks.
According to CRUK, it can look like a wart, ulcer or blister and might not be painful.
In these cases, it’s important to know what’s normal for you so you can flag any changes with your doctor.
2. Bleeding
Another red flag sign of penile cancer is bleeding from your penis.
This includes bleeding from from under your foreskin.
3. Foul-smelling discharge
A foul smelling discharge can be a sign of penile cancer, but it’s more likely the discharge is down to other factors.
It can occur due to an infection or because something is irritating the skin of the penis.
It can also be caused by not washing your privates often or thoroughly enough. A cheese-like substance called smegma can build up if you don’t wash your penis every day.
But this is is different from constant discharge, so it’s important to flag this with a doctor if you notice it.
4. Rashes
A rash on your penis is another possible sign of cancer.
Be aware of what’s normal for you and try not to be embarrassed about bringing this up with a GP.
5. Foreskin trouble
You may notice it becomes more difficult to draw back your foreskin.
This is known as phimosis.
Dr Michie noted: “Penis cancer is rare in those who have been circumcised at birth.”
6. Colour changes
Finally, changes to the colour of your penis or foreskin are worth speaking to a GP about.
There are other, rarer symptoms of penile cancer, which could be a sign the disease if more advanced:
- A lump in the groin
- Feeling tired
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in the bones
- Loss of weight
CAUSES OF PENILE CANCER
“Squamous cells in the skin of the penis are responsible for over 90 per cent of penis cancers,” Dr Michie said.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer.
“Other malignancies, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or sarcoma are less frequent.
“Infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV) has been identified in about half of squamous cell cancer cases.”
HPV is the name of a very common group of viruses – “probably humankind’s most commonly transmitted sexual infection,” according to Dr Michie – that don’t cause any problems in most people.
The viruses are spread through skin contact during sex and over 70 per cent of sexually active adults will contract papillomavirus infections, the expert added.
But some high risk types can result in genital warts or cancer.
HPV infections can linger just below the skin’s surface.
In the case of penile cancer, this can result in changes to the skin texture and colour – such as painless ulcer or wart.
“HPV 16, the most common high-risk type of HPV, can trigger malignant changes in tissues of the penis or the cervix, mouth, throat, vulva, vagina and anus,” Dr Michie went on.
“It is probably the most carcinogenic HPV. Fortunately, HPV vaccines have already done a great job at reducing the rates of cancer of the cervix.
“Effects of these jabs on penis cancer are likely to take longer to emerge because there is usually a long period between HPV infection and cancer emerging.”
TREATMENT
Treatment may involve surgery to remove the growth, the use of strong creams, laser treatment, freezing, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Operations to remove part or all of the penis are usually a last-resort treatment for advanced cases.
A recent BBC report revealed that Brazil has one of the highest rates of penis amputation, with nearly two carried out each day.
Meanwhile, Shaun Evans bravely shared how his penis was amputated after being struck with cancer with Sun Health, in a bid to help other men avoid suffering his fate.
Dr Michie said there’s “hope on the horizon” when it comes to new penis cancer treatments.
“New approaches, such as the use of engineered T cells (a type of immune cell) that attack HPV-infected cells, or immunotherapies such as tislelizumab that improve immune responses to squamous cell tumours, have proved effective in a few cases,” he explained.
I spotted a cold-sore like spot on my penis – months later it was amputated
SHAUN Evans, 55, noticed a nagging pain in his pelvic area in June 2022.
As his discomfort worsened, he saw he was bleeding from his foreskin in the shower and uncovered a sore at the base of his penis.
Alarmed, Shaun sought help at an STI clinic and was referred to a urologist.
In the ensuing months, the 55-year-old found himself in agony.
“I’d gone from walking five miles a night to shuffling when I walked and I wasn’t able to find comfort unless I was lying down.
“I was starting to get a burning sensation when I urinated and the whole area was becoming inflamed.”
In September 2022, months after his first symptoms, the former West Midlands police staffer was diagnosed with penile cancer.
What follows is enough to make any man shudder.
Shaun bravely shared his experience with Sun Health, in the hopes of sparing other men his fate.
Read his story here.
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
