Penis cancer is thankfully rare, but cases are rising . Some experts predict a 77% increase in penis cancer by 2050. While developing countries tend to have the highest rates of penis cancer, cases are increasing in most European countries.
As populations age, cases tend to go up. Being over 50 is one of the main risk factors for penis cancer, and Europe has an ageing population . Other risk factors include a narrowed foreskin, poor genital hygiene and smoking tobacco.
Penis cancer is rare in those who have been circumcised at birth. Squamous cells in the skin of the penis are responsible for over 90% of penis cancers. Other malignancies, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or sarcoma are less frequent.
Infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV) has been identified in about half of squamous cell cancer cases . Papillomaviruses spread through skin contact and are probably humankind’s most commonly transmitted sexual infection. Over 70% of sexually active adults will contract papillomavirus infections, usually in adolescence.
Infections usually don’t cause symptoms and can disappear over months to a few years without long-term complications. Previous infection with HPV, unfortunately, does not appear to protect against future infection. These infections can persist just below the skin surface.
In the penis, this can result in changes to the skin texture and colour – known as “pre-malignant changes”. A painless, symptomless ulcer or wart may develop, commonly on th.