About 6,500 men have had their penises amputated due to penile cancer as the disease continues to spread rapidly in Brazil and around the world.
Penile cancer is rare, but the incidence and mortality rates are increasing worldwide.
According to the latest studies, Brazil has the highest incidence rate at 2.1 per 100,000 men.
Although penile cancer is actually rare, its incidence and mortality rates are increasing worldwide. In fact, rates are expected to rise to 77 percent over the next 26 years.
In Germany, rates increased by 50 percent between 1961 and 2012. A significant increase was also observed in the United Kingdom.
For Brazil, between 2012 and 2022, a total of 21,000 cases were reported. This was according to the country's Ministry of Health. Because of this, the past decade has seen over 4,000 deaths and over 6,500 cases of genital mutilation.
The rate of male genital mutilation averages two per day.
The highest incidence rate was seen in Brazil's poorest state, Maranhão, at 6.1 men per 100,000.
When it comes to amputation, partial amputation still allows urine to flow out of the penis. However, for a complete amputation, the patient's urethra will be moved into the perineum between the anus and the scrotum. Because of this, the patient will have to sit down to urinate.
Persistent HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is a primary risk factor, according to Mauricio Dener Cordeiro from the Brazilian Society of Urology.
This infection can spread through sexual contact. It can also lead to penile and oral cancers in some cases.
Dr. Cordero shared that mass HPV vaccination is critical, as it has been shown to be highly effective in preventing such lesions. However, he adds that Brazil has a vaccination rate that does not meet the level required for effectiveness.
The National Health Service also states that smoking can also increase the risk of penile cancer. If someone has trouble pulling back the foreskin to keep the penis clean, the chance of developing penile cancer may also be higher. This condition is known as phimosis.
Neil Barber, clinical urology lead at Framley Health NHS Foundation Trust, also points out that in the circumcised population, penile cancer is almost unheard of. Conditions such as subcutaneous infection, poor hygiene, and phimosis are risk factors.
Other risk factors for penile cancer include having unprotected sex (especially not using a condom). Poor hygiene can also increase the risks of such a route.
Dr. Cordero noted that penile cancer is a rare condition that is highly preventable. He recommends using a condom during intercourse. They also recommend undergoing surgery to remove the foreskin in cases of phimosis to reduce the risk of genital cancer.