Among the many problems that can affect a man’s sexual health, cancer of the penis is quite rare. In developed countries like the United States, only about 1 in 100,000 men will be affected by this life-threatening disease, with a higher incidence in men who are not circumcised. However, one of the scary things about penile cancer is that the early warning signs are often mistaken for other problems, such as genital warts, herpes, and other STDs. Because early detection of cancer is essential to treating the disease and preventing it from spreading, recognizing symptoms and receiving proper treatment is vital to any cancer prognosis. Regular self-exams, good hygiene, and proper penile care are vital to maintaining penile health.

What is penile cancer?

Penile cancer, like other types of cancer, occurs when cells reproduce abnormally, resulting in malignancy. Cancer is a life-threatening disease and can be treated most effectively when detected early. Knowing what to look for and getting immediate medical attention when potential problems arise is vital to any cancer patient’s long-term outlook.

What are the common symptoms of penile cancer?

The most common symptoms of penile cancer include the following:

Red skin of the penis or other color changes;

Sores on the penis (can appear as bumps, warts, open sores or blisters that may or may not hurt, often mistaken for herpes and other STDs);

· Rash on the penis;

· Foul-smelling discharge;

Pain in the penis;

Bleeding from the penis or under the foreskin.

Who is at risk of developing penile cancer?

Cancer of the penis is not common, especially in developed countries; however, there are certain risk factors that men should be aware of. Some of these include:

Age: Men over the age of 60 are at increased risk of penile cancer, while men under the age of 40 are rarely affected;

Not being circumcised: Men with an intact foreskin are more likely to contract HPV (human papillomavirus), a common virus that can be passed from sexual partners and has been linked to a higher incidence of cancer.

Phimosis: The inability to retract the foreskin over the head of the penis has been linked to an increased risk of cancer;

· Poor hygiene: Lack of personal care can lead to infections and skin irritations that have been identified as risk factors for cancer;

· Smoking and use of other tobacco products;

· Multiple sexual partners.

Treatment of penile cancer

Treatment of penile cancer depends largely on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the extent of the disease. Treatments can range from surgical removal of the tumor to radiation or chemotherapy.

Prevention and self-care

While there are no guarantees that cancer can be prevented, taking a few common-sense steps can help reduce your risk and increase your chances of successful treatment. Men of all ages should follow the suggestions here, not only to protect against cancer, but also to promote general penis health:

1. Keep it clean. Good hygiene is more than a pleasant smell and appearance; it’s about good health. Buildups of dead skin cells and oils can be a haven for bacteria, as well as cause irritation, especially in men who are not circumcised. Both infection and skin irritation are indicated as risk factors for penile cancer.

2. Cover it. As mentioned above, STDs can increase the risk of penile cancer. In particular, HPV, which can be easily transmitted between sexual partners, is associated with the incidence of penile cancer. The use of barrier protection during all sexual encounters can at least minimize the risk of human papillomavirus infection; and HPV vaccines are increasingly recommended for both men and women.

3. Look for warning signs. While not all sores, lumps, and other penile skin conditions indicate cancer, they can indicate a problem, and ignoring them is never a good idea. The penis and surrounding area should be checked regularly, and any sore or lump that does not heal in about a month should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional.

4. Keep it nourished. Like all other parts of the body, the penis relies on vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to nourish cells, maintain healthy circulation, and fight off all manner of disease; Healthy cell reproduction also depends on proper nutrition. Apply a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) They contain essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants (powerful cancer-fighting agents) that can help boost the body’s defenses and improve overall penis health.