Carcinoma of The Penis - Risk Factors and Prevention

Risk Factors and Prevention

• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) - AIDS can increase a man's risk of developing penile cancer. AIDS can be prevented by practicing safe sex or by not having sex with a person who is positive for HIV/AIDS.

• Age - Penile cancer is rarely seen in men under the age of 50. About 4 out of 5 men diagnosed with penile cancer are over the age of 55.

• Balanitis - Balanitis is inflammation of the foreskin and/or the glans penis. It is associated with increased risk of penile cancer. It is usually caused by poor hygiene, allergic reactions to certain soaps, or an underlying health condition such as reactive arthritis, infection, or diabetes. Balanitis can be prevented by washing the penis regularly with water and by avoiding soaps with harsh ingredients.

• Circumcision - Some studies show that circumcision during infancy or in childhood may provide partial protection against penile cancer, but this is not the case when performed in adulthood. It has been suggested that the reduction in risk may be due to reduced risk of phimosis; other possible mechanisms include reduction in risk of smegma and HPV infection. Several authors have proposed circumcision as a possible strategy for penile cancer prevention; however, the American Cancer Society point to the rarity of the disease and note that neither the American Academy of Pediatrics nor the Canadian Academy of Pediatrics recommend routine neonatal circumcision.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) - HPV is a risk factor in the development of penile cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is responsible for about 800 (about 40%) of 1,570 cases of penile cancer diagnosed annually in the United States. About half of men with penile cancer also have genital warts, which are caused by HPV. There are more than 120 types of HPV. Several authors have suggested the use of HPV vaccines such as Gardasil or Cervarix to reduce the risk of HPV and, consequently, penile cancer; the use of condoms has also been proposed.

• Poor hygiene - Poor hygiene can increase a man's risk of penile cancer. Good genital hygiene involves washing the penis, the scrotum, and the foreskin daily with water.

• Smegma - Smegma, a whitish substance that can accumulate beneath the foreskin, is associated with greater risk of penile cancer. The American Cancer Society suggests that smegma may not be carcinogenic, but may increase the risk by causing irritation and inflammation of the penis.

• Lichen sclerosus - Lichen sclerosus is a disease causing white patches on the skin. Lichen sclerosus increases the risk of penile cancer. As the exact cause of lichen sclerosus is unknown, there is no known way to prevent it.

• Paraphimosis - Paraphimosis is a medical condition where the foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans. It is considered a risk factor for the development of penile cancer. Paraphimosis can be prevented by not leaving the foreskin retracted for prolonged periods of time.

• Phimosis - Phimosis is a medical condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the glans. It is considered a risk factor in the development of penile cancer. Phimosis may also be a symptom of penile cancer. Phimosis can be prevented by practicing proper hygiene and by retracting the foreskin on a regular basis.

• Tobacco - Chewing or smoking tobacco increases the risk of penile cancer. Smoking cessation has been proposed as a prevention strategy.

• Ultraviolet light (UV light) - Men with psoriasis who have been treated using UV light and a drug known as psoralen have an increased risk of penile cancer.