Spot the signs of penile cancer

To coincide with Men’s Health Week the HSE has launched a new campaign called “Know the Signs” aimed at raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of penile cancer, and is urging men to seek medical help early if they notice any changes in their penis.  

Penile cancer is rare, affecting around 60 men in Ireland each year - mostly those aged over 50. Early detection significantly improves survival and can help preserve function and appearance.

The new campaign, Know the Signs, features a short awareness video with penile cancer survivor Cormac France, a father of four from Kildare, who shares his experience to encourage others not to delay seeking help: “I'm a very fit and active person. I used to do a lot of training. Because I don't smoke, I didn't think I would be a candidate to get cancer, never mind penile cancer, which is rarer again.

Looking back from when I was diagnosed, I did notice, the six months or so previous, that's when the changes really started with weight loss, chronic tiredness, and as time progressed, the smell from my penis was horrendous, and then the penis started to split. That was due to the tumours. Cancer can reach every part of your body, and people have to realise that. To get the news is devastating, but there are people there to help.”

Mr Ivor Cullen, Consultant Urologist and Lead of the National Penile Cancer Service at Beaumont Hospital, says: “These new resources are aimed at increasing knowledge of penile cancer among men. Although a rare disease, penile cancer is a very aggressive disease when it has spread. Penile cancer is, in large part, preventable, yet we’re still seeing men present late because of stigma and lack of awareness. It’s a sensitive subject, yes, but early detection makes all the difference, not just for survival, but for preserving function and quality of life.”

Signs and symptoms to watch for:

• a growth or sore on your penis that doesn’t heal within 4 weeks – it may look like a wart or blister
• bleeding from your penis or from under the foreskin
• a foul-smelling discharge under the foreskin (not ejaculation)
• swelling or difficulty pulling back the foreskin (phimosis)
• a change in skin colour on the penis or foreskin to blueish or brown
• a rash or small crusty bumps on the penis
• lumps under the skin in the groin

Alison Doran, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Penile and Bladder Cancer at Beaumont Hospital, added: “The main risk factors are men over 50 years of age, and infection with HPV, human papillomavirus, which is a significant risk factor. We would see over half of our cases linked to HPV. Smoking also increases the risk, and poor hygiene is another key factor. If a patient has a previous experience of phimosis, which is tightening of the foreskin, or if there's a build-up of smegma under the foreskin, that can create chronic inflammation and create cancer cells as well.”

The campaign will run across HSE social media channels. The new booklet titled “What I Need to Know About Penile Cancer” has been developed by the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme. A practical guide, it’s designed to help men, families and healthcare professionals recognise symptoms early, understand risk factors, and access treatment and support services.

Order or download the guide for free at www.healthpromotion.ie.