20% rise in penile cancer: are STIs to blame?

Conclusion This study found that the incidence of penile cancer increased by 20% from 1979 to 2009; however, it fluctuated during the period. For example, the incidence in 2008 was the same as in 1980, although the overall trend is that of an increase. The study does not prove the causes of this increase, but the most important factors known to increase the risk include: smoking human papilloma virus (which causes warts) However, it is also possible that the increased incidence of penile cancer is due simply to more people being diagnosed. The apparent good news is that the proportion of men surviving for at least a year increased from 76.2% to 87.1%, and five-year survival increased from 61.4% to 70.2%. As the researchers point out, this may have been due to the “advancement of diagnostic, staging and surgical techniques”. However, the interpretation of one-year and five-year survival rates is complex, as it is also possible that penile cancer cases are being diagnosed earlier, leading to a increase in survival time with a diagnosis. The most encouraging statistic is that the number of deaths due to penile cancer fell by 19% over the period studied. Being aware of the symptoms of penile cancer, and being willing to discuss these with your doctor might lead to an earlier diagnosis and greater likelihood of successful treatment, including procedures that preserve the penis. If you have any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to visit your doctor: bleeding from ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Source Type: news