Penile Cancer: Doctor Warns of Rising Threat Deadlier Than Testicular Cancer
A Hidden but Lethal Danger
Penile cancer, though rarer than testicular cancer, claims more lives annually in the UK, with Dr. Mark Porter sounding the alarm in The Times on July 30, 2025. According to Cancer Research UK, while testicular cancer sees about 2,400 new cases yearly with 65 deaths, penile cancer affects 760 men but results in 150 deaths. Projections warn of a rise to 1,100 cases by 2040, driven by aging populations and risk factors like human papillomavirus (HPV). Dr. Porter emphasized that late diagnoses are a major issue, as societal taboos often delay men from seeking help. Unlike testicular cancer, which has a 98% five-year survival rate, penile cancer’s prognosis worsens significantly if untreated, with advanced cases requiring drastic measures like amputation. Awareness of symptoms, he urged, is critical to saving lives and avoiding devastating outcomes.
Understanding Penile Cancer
Penile cancer, affecting roughly one in 400 UK men over their lifetime, typically strikes those over 50, though younger men are not immune. It commonly develops under the foreskin or on the penis head, per NHS guidelines. About 50% of cases are linked to HPV, a virus transmissible through sexual contact, with smoking, weakened immune systems (e.g., from HIV), poor foreskin hygiene, or prior psoriasis treatment with psoralens increasing risk. The Lancet notes that uncircumcised men face higher rates due to chronic irritation or infections like balanitis. Early detection is key: over 90% of men diagnosed early survive five years, but advanced cases, where cancer spreads to lymph nodes or beyond, see survival drop to zero within five years, per Dr. Porter. The disease’s rarity—0.2% of male cancers—belies its severity.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
The NHS outlines critical warning signs of penile cancer, urging immediate medical attention if symptoms persist: a growth, lump, or sore that doesn’t heal within four weeks; a rash; bleeding from the penis or foreskin; smelly discharge; difficulty retracting the foreskin (phimosis); or skin color changes on the penis or foreskin. Additional red flags include groin lumps, abdominal pain, persistent fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. Dr. Porter stressed overcoming embarrassment, as doctors are accustomed to such issues. Social media reactions on X, like @HealthWatchUK’s post, echoed this, sharing, “Men, don’t ignore sores or lumps down there—get checked!” Delayed diagnosis risks metastasis, where cancer spreads to the groin or pelvis, drastically reducing treatment options and survival odds, per Macmillan Cancer Support.
Treatment Options and Urgency
Early-stage penile cancer is highly treatable, with options like laser ablation, cryotherapy, or topical chemotherapy/immunotherapy creams, which preserve penile function, per Cancer Research UK. For localized cases, surgery to remove small tumors yields an 85% five-year survival rate, per The BMJ. However, advanced cases may require partial or total penectomy (penis amputation), a life-altering procedure, or radiotherapy, which 30–40% of patients undergo, per Urology Times. Dr. Porter warned that late detection often necessitates such drastic measures, with 10–15% of UK cases requiring amputation. HPV vaccination, now offered to boys and girls in the UK, could reduce future cases by 20–30%, per Public Health England. Regular self-exams and prompt GP visits are vital, as early intervention can prevent progression to fatal stages.
Raising Awareness Amid Stigma
The higher mortality of penile cancer compared to testicular cancer—despite fewer cases—underscores the need for public education. Dr. Porter’s call to action aligns with Movember’s campaigns, which stress breaking stigma around men’s health. X posts like @MensHealthMag’s, “Penile cancer kills more than testicular cancer—know the signs,” aim to normalize discussions. Cancer Research UK reports that 60% of cases are diagnosed late due to embarrassment or ignorance, with rural areas showing higher delays due to limited healthcare access. As projections warn of rising cases, experts urge men to monitor changes and seek help without shame. With treatments advancing—such as targeted therapies trialed in 2024, per Nature—early detection remains the best defense against this under-discussed but deadly disease.
