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Penile Cancer

Author's details

  • Hakim Abubakre
  • BA (HONS) International Business Management, MSc Digital Marketing.

Reviewer's details

  • Dr Jibril O. Bello
  • MBBS (ABU), MSc (Med. Ed., USW), FWACS (Urol.)
  • University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
  • Date Published: 2025-03-13
  • Date Updated: 2025-03-13

Penile Cancer

Introduction

What is Penile Cancer?

Penile cancer is a rare disease that affects the penis. It happens when cells in the penis grow uncontrollably. It usually starts under the foreskin (in men who are not circumcised) or on the head of the penis. Men over 50 are more likely to get penile cancer, but it can affect anyone with a penis. Early detection and treatment can help manage the disease.

Discussion
Risk factors 

Poor personal hygiene 

Human Papilloma Virus HPV infection 

Unprotected sex / multiple sexual partners

Smoking

Uncircumcised 

Signs and Symptoms

Penile cancer may not cause symptoms right away, but if you notice any of these, it’s important to see a doctor:

  • A sore, lump, or swelling on the penis.
  • Changes in the color or thickness of the skin on the penis.
  • Bad-smelling discharge or fluid under the foreskin.
  • Pain or bleeding from the penis.
  • Lumps in the groin.
  • Weight loss, fatigue, or pain in the lower belly.
How to Take Care of Yourself

If you have the above symptoms

  • Seek medical help immediately: Early treatment can save your life.
Prevention Tips
  • Improve personal hygiene 
  • HPV vaccination 
  • Stop smoking 
  • Treat phimosis / get circumcised (optional)
  • Use condoms during intercourse 
  • Regular self-examination.
  • Get regular health checkups: Early screening can help catch the disease early before it spreads.

Penile cancer is treatable, especially when caught early. Protect your health by being aware of the signs and taking preventive measures.

References
  1. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/penile-cancer
  2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/penile-cancer/what-is-penile-cancer/
  3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6181-penile-cancer
  4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/penile-cancer/symptoms/
  5. https://www.google.com/search?q=self+care+for+penile+cancer&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB894GB894&oq=Self+care+for+penile+c&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBECEYoAEyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRiPAjIHCAUQIRiPAjIHCAYQIRiPAtIBCjE2ODIyajBqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
  6. https://www.google.com/search?q=when+to+seek+medical+attention+for+penile+cancer&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB894GB894&oq=When+to+seek+medical+attention+for+penile+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBECEYoAEyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRiPAjIHCAQQIRiPAtIBCjIzOTYyajBqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/stomach-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html