Cancer surgeons across the UK are raising the alarm over a significant and worrying increase in cases of penile cancer, a rare but aggressive disease they say too many men are ignoring until it's too late.
Medical experts are now issuing an urgent plea for greater awareness, stressing that early detection is absolutely critical for successful treatment and for avoiding life-altering surgery.
The Symptoms You Cannot Afford to Ignore
Consultant urological surgeon Mr. Simon Brewster of Oxford University Hospitals underscores the importance of recognising the early warning signs. The key symptoms men must watch out for include:
- A persistent ulcer, sore, or lump on the penis that does not heal within four weeks.
- Changes in skin colour or thickening of the skin on the penis.
- Unexplained bleeding or discharge from under the foreskin.
- A noticeable rash or unusual growth that appears suddenly.
"Any persistent lesion on the penis that doesn’t settle down quickly should be reviewed by a GP," Mr. Brewster insists. "The biggest tragedy we see is delayed presentation. Men are often embarrassed, but this delay can cost them their penis or their life."
A Life-Saving Surgical Revolution
For those diagnosed, the prospect of surgery can be terrifying. However, surgical techniques have advanced dramatically. While partial or total removal of the penis (penectomy) is still necessary in advanced cases, surgeons now prioritise organ-preserving operations.
"We have moved away from radical amputations as a first resort," explains Mr. Brewster. Surgeons now employ sophisticated laser therapy and precision excision techniques to remove the cancer while preserving as much of the penis as possible, dramatically improving patients' quality of life and psychological recovery post-operation.
The Stigma That Costs Lives
The overarching message from the medical community is clear: stigma and embarrassment are the biggest barriers to early treatment. Doctors vehemently assure men that there is no need for shame and that GPs are trained to handle these sensitive examinations with the utmost professionalism and discretion.
Ignoring a symptom out of fear, they warn, leads directly to more radical surgery and a significantly lower chance of survival. Catching penile cancer early makes it one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
This urgent call to action is a vital public health message for every man in the UK: be aware, check yourself, and see your doctor without delay if something doesn't seem right.
