Brazil has reported a significant increase in penile cancer cases, resulting in 6,500 amputations over the past decade, according to the Ministry of Health.
In 2018, João, a 63-year-old Brazilian pensioner, sought medical help after discovering a wart on his penis. Despite numerous visits to clinics and various medications, the wart continued to grow, affecting his marriage and leading to a diagnosis of penile cancer in 2023. He underwent a partial amputation in January.
Penile cancer, though rare, is rising globally. Brazil has one of the highest incidence rates, with 21,000 cases and over 4,000 deaths between 2012 and 2022. Maranhão, the poorest state, has the highest global incidence rate of 6.1 per 100,000 men.
Early symptoms include a non-healing sore and discharge, which can lead to partial or total amputation if untreated. In total amputations, the urethral orifice is relocated, requiring patients to urinate while seated.
Dr. Thiago Camelo Mourão from São Paulo's AC Camargo Cancer Center highlighted the impact of HPV, a primary risk factor. Despite the availability of the HPV vaccine in Brazil, vaccination rates are low, with only 57% coverage for girls and 40% for boys. Effective coverage requires 90%.
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Smoking, poor hygiene, and conditions like phimosis also increase the risk. In developed countries, penile cancer is rising, with cases in England and Germany increasing significantly over recent decades. Global predictions estimate a 77% rise in penile incidence by 2050, attributed mainly to an ageing population.
Neil Barber from the UK's Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust emphasised that penile cancer is rare but preventable. Measures include using condoms and, in cases of phimosis, surgical foreskin removal.
João remains hopeful as he awaits his latest test results, confident that he will be cured. He acknowledges the difficulty of his condition but feels better post-surgery.
According to cancer research UK, over 90% of men diagnosed with localised penile cancer survive for five years or more.
