6,500 penises amputated as penile cancer spreads in Brazil

About 6500 men have had their penis amputated owing to penile cancer, which is spreading rapidly in Brazil and around the world.

Penile cancer is uncommon, but incidence and fatality rates are increasing over the world.

According to the most recent studies, Brazil has one of the highest incidence rates at 2.1 per 100,000 men.

Though penile cancer is rare, its incidence and fatality rates are increasing over the world. In fact, rates are anticipated to rise by a staggering 77% in the next 26 years.

Rates in Germany increased by 50% between 1961 and 2012.

A large rise was also recorded in the United Kingdom. Between 2012 and 2022, Brazil recorded a total of 21,000 incidents.

The country’s Ministry of Health confirmed this. As a result, more than 4,000 deaths and 6500 penile amputations have occurred during the last decade.

The penile amputation rate is approximately two per day. Maranhão, Brazil’s poorest state, had the highest occurrence rate (6.1 men per 100,000).

When it comes to amputation, even a partial amputation may allow urine to exit the penis.

However, for total amputation, the patient’s urethral orifice would be relocated to the perineum, between the anus and scrotum. Because of this, the patient would have to sit down to urinate.

According to Mauricio Dener Cordeiro of the Brazilian Society of Urology, persistent HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is a major risk factor.

This infection could be transferred through intercourse. It may also cause penis and mouth cancer in some circumstances.

Dr. Cordeiro stated that widespread HPV vaccination is critical, as it has been shown to be extremely successful in avoiding such lesions.

However, he adds that Brazil’s immunisation rates do not meet the required level of efficacy.

According to the National Health Service, smoking may also raise the risk of developing penile cancer.

If you have difficulty drawing back the foreskin to keep your penis clean, you may be more likely to develop penile cancer. This ailment is referred to as phimosis.

Neil Barber, Clinical Urology Lead at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, adds that penile cancer is almost unheard of among the circumcised community. Infections under the foreskin, poor hygiene, and conditions like phimosis all pose risks.

Unprotected intercourse is another well-established risk factor for penile cancer. Poor cleanliness may further aggravate the hazards of this route.

Dr. Cordeiro stated that penile cancer is an uncommon illness that is highly preventable. He suggests using condoms during s*xual intercourse. He also advocates having surgery to remove the foreskin in phimosis patients in order to lower the risk of developing penile cancer.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli