Penile cancer / Cancer of the penis

The penis is the external male sex organ and is part of both the urinary system and the reproductive system. Inside the penis are three chambers containing spongy networks of blood vessels. Inside one of the chamber is a thin tube called the urethra, which starts in the bladder and runs through the penis. This tube carries urine from the bladder as well as sperm from the testicles to the outside of the body. Penile cancer is very rare in Europe and is mostly found in men over the age of 60. We don´t know the exact cause of penile cancer but there are certain factors that can increase men´s risk of developing it. The most common risk factor is a virus called HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), which is passed on through sexual contact. Also, men who smoke have an increased risk factor because of the many cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarettes. There are several types of penile cancer and see below if you want to find out more.

To help you find answers to some of your questions, we have linked to Maggie’s CancerLinks where you will be signposted to high quality information about penile cancer. The information on these websites is not written specifically for young people but it is written using simple language in a way that most people will be able to understand. Don’t worry if there are lots of links to different websites. Have a look on the description of the links and very often you will find the information you are searching for on the first website that you look at. If you just want general information about cancer you could read the ‘About cancer’ section on riprap.

Remember that the information on these sites is general. Within each cancer type, there are different variations, different stages, different treatments and people may also respond differently to the same treatments. Each person is an individual and because of this, generic information may not fit the situation you are thinking of. Often your parents or someone else who knows the details can answer your questions best. Also, please feel free to get in touch with us here at riprap. We can help you sorting through information or discuss things you’ve heard or read or anything at all that’s on your mind.

Don’t forget that there are lots of effective treatments for cancer these days and many cancers can be completely cured. There are also very good treatments to control cancers that cannot be cured and research is going on all the time to find new treatments that can control and cure cancers.

Page updated 13 July 2017