Help improve outcomes for penile cancer patients
More than 100 new cases of penile cancer are diagnosed in Australia every year. It is classed as a rare cancer, and the average age of diagnosis is 68.
Cure Cancer funds groundbreaking ideas from brilliant scientists working across every cancer type, but more research is desperately needed.
Supporting emerging researchers with the brightest ideas gives us the best possible chance of finding a cure.
Every dollar you donate can make a real difference.
"I find securing funding is one of the biggest hurdles for early-career researchers. I have seen lots of talented academic researchers leave for different jobs due to a lack of funding and uncertainty after a few years, which is heart-breaking. Funding opportunities that specifically target early-career researchers, such as Cure Cancer, gives us hope and the chance to fight this battle to establish ourselves as independent researchers."
— Dr Panchadsaram Janaththani, a Cure Cancer grant recipient
What is penile cancer?
Penile cancer is a male reproductive cancer that develops when abnormal cells in the penis grow more quickly than in a normal penis, forming a malignant tumour. Penile cancer is a rare type of cancer and occurs on the foreskin, the head of the penis, or on the skin of the penile shaft. It occurs mostly in uncircumcised men. The most common type of cancer of the penis is squamous cell cancer (SCC) which accounts for around 95% of cases.
More than 100 new cases of penile cancer are diagnosed in Australia every year.
Penile Cancer Symptoms
Penile cancer can exhibit a range of different symptoms, which may include:
- a growth or sore on the head, foreskin or shaft of the penis
- bleeding from the penis or under the foreskin
- discharge under the foreskin
- a lump or multiple lumps under the foreskin or in the groin
- changes in the colour of the skin on the penis or foreskin
- thickening of the skin on the penis or foreskin
- pain in the shaft or tip of the penis
- swelling at the tip of the penis
- a rash or red skin on the penis
How is penile cancer diagnosed?
If you are concerned about your health, it’s important to make an appointment with your GP. They will have a chat with you about your medical history and perform a physical exam.
If the GP thinks it necessary, you will be referred for certain tests. These might include blood tests and a biopsy (which involves a sample of tissue being taken from the penis for examination under a microscope).
If these tests suggest you do have penile cancer, your doctor may refer you for an ultrasound to check for tumours in the penis, a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other tests.
Penile Cancer Treatments
The main treatments for penile cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These can be given alone or in combination.
Surgery will involve the surgeon removing the tumour as well as some surrounding healthy tissue. The extent and type of surgery depends on the location, grade and stage of the tumour. In most cases, any physical changes to your penis after an operation can be corrected with reconstructive surgery.
Some early-stage penile cancers can be treated with techniques other than surgery, such as laser treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT), or cryosurgery. You can discuss these options with your medical team.
What is the prognosis for penile cancer?
The prognosis for penile cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer and the person’s overall. health. Your doctor is the best person to advise on your personal circumstances.
How your donation helps
$75
Can fund an hour of research
$125
Can help fund microscopy imaging to look for immune cells in tumours
$550
Can fund provide lab supplies for up to ten vital experiments
$1,000
Can help provide cutting-edge software to analyse cells
Why your support matters
Awareness: Support campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of these cancers.
Treatment: Provide access to advanced treatments, clinical trials, and support services for individuals affected by testicular, penile, and prostate cancer.
Together, we can cure cancer.
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