Penile cancer

Over the last 30 years, the number of penile cancer cases has increased by more than 20%, possibly due to changes in sexual practices.

However, improvements in diagnosis, staging and treatment have led to a similar reduction in the number of deaths resulting from the condition.


However, improvements in diagnosis, staging and treatment have led to a similar reduction in the number of deaths resulting from the condition.

Symptoms

You should be aware of any abnormalities or signs of penile cancer, including:

a growth or sore on the penis that doesn’t heal within 4 weeks  bleeding from the penis or from under the foreskin a foul-smelling discharge thickening of the skin of the penis or foreskin that makes it difficult to draw back the foreskin (phimosis) a change in the colour of the skin of the penis or foreskin a rash on the penis

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important that they’re checked by your GP as soon as possible. It’s unlikely they’ll be caused by cancer of the penis, but they need to be investigated.

Any delay in diagnosing penile cancer could reduce the chances of successful treatment.