Know the Signs-Penile Cancer Awareness

 The NCCP are delighted to launch the NCCP Patient Cancer Wallet Card.  This resource is part of the NCCP Know the Signs-Penile Cancer Awareness Campaign.

 80+ men are diagnosed with penile cancer every year

• It occurs on:
  • The outside or inside of the foreskin
  • The head of the penis (glans penis)
  • The shaft of the penis
• Men over 50 are most at risk of getting  penile cancer, but it can affect younger men

 Penile Cancer - Signs and symptoms

 Any of the following changes in the penis or foreskin:

•  A lump or swelling on the penis or foreskin
• Bleeding or discharge from the penis or foreskin
• Swelling of the penis that makes it difficult to retract the foreskin
• A non-healing rash on the foreskin or  head of the penis
• Lumps or swellings that are new in the groin

 Risk Factors:

• HPV: 6 in 10 penile  cancers are caused  by HPV (human  papillomavirus).  Most sexually active people  come into contact with HPV during  their lifetime
• Smoking
• Phimosis: a tight foreskin that does not “pull back”
• Pelvic radiotherapy
• Immunosuppression: People with weakened immune systems or HIV
• Poor penile hygiene

 Reduce your risk:

•  HPV vaccine: Vaccination against HPV can  reduce your risk of penile cancer. Get the HPV vaccine if it is available to  you.
• Don’t smoke:  Visit quit.ie
• Gently wash your penis daily
• If you have a foreskin, carefully pull it  back and clean under the foreskin and the tip of your penis. You only need to use water. It is fine to use gentle soap, but using too much could irritate your penis.

 To order free copies please go to www.healthpromotion.ie