Am I At Risk for Penile Cancer?

Certain factors can make you more likely to get penile cancer than another man. These are called risk factors. However, the presence of one or more risk factors does not mean that you will get penile cancer. In fact, you can have all of the risk factors and still not get cancer. On the other hand, you can have no known risk factors and get penile cancer. Doctors are not sure what exactly causes penile cancer but there are some possible risk factors.

If you agree with one or more of these bolded statements, you may be at risk for penile cancer.

I am a man infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).

Being infected with the sexually transmitted disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), may make you at greater risk for penile cancer. However, there is not enough evidence to say that HPV definitely causes penile cancer.

I smoke.

Men who smoke are more at risk for getting penile cancer than those who don’t. If you are infected with an HPV infection and you smoke, you are at an even greater risk. Doctors believe that the cancer-causing chemicals in cigarettes somehow damage the DNA of cells in the penis and may lead to penile cancer.

I am a man with phimosis.

A man with phimosis has foreskin on his penis that is difficult to retract or is constricted. Phimosis can cause a buildup of smegma, which is an oily, cheese-like secretion under the foreskin and around the glans. When you have phimosis, you may be less able to properly and routinely clean your penis. This can raise your risk of penile cancer.

I’m taking a psoralen to treat psoriasis.

Men who have been treated with the drug psoralen for psoriasis, or have been treated with ultraviolet light, may be at a slightly higher risk for penile cancer.

I am older than 68.

Over half the cases of penile cancer are diagnosed in men over the age of 68.

I have AIDS.

Men who have been diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) may be at a higher risk of penile cancer. Although this may be caused by your lowered immune response, lifestyle factors may also play a role.

I am not circumcised.

Circumcision is the removal of part or all of the foreskin on the penis. This process can be done at birth or later on in life. Researchers have suggested that this practice provides some protection against cancer of the penis by helping to improve hygiene. However, it is uncertain whether circumcision actually reduces the risk of penile cancer.