New York City, New York – The alarming rise in cases of penis cancer is becoming a concerning global trend, with a projected 77% surge expected within the next 26 years. Researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University in China have conducted a comprehensive analysis involving data from 43 countries, revealing an increase in incidences in most European countries, including Germany and the United Kingdom. The findings underscore the pressing need for awareness and preventive measures to address this growing health issue.

According to experts, Brazil is among the countries with the highest rates of penile cancer globally, ranking second only to Uganda. The Brazilian Society of Urology reports 21,000 cases of penile cancer between 2012 and 2022, with 4000 fatalities and 6500 cases requiring amputation. Low HPV vaccination rates in Brazil are believed to be contributing to the rise in case numbers, emphasizing the importance of vaccination campaigns to combat the disease.

Brazilian doctors highlight HPV as a significant risk factor for penile cancer, emphasizing the need for improved vaccination coverage to prevent the spread of the virus. Dr. Mauricio Dener Cordeiro notes the suboptimal vaccination rates in Brazil for both girls and boys, underscoring the necessity of achieving a 90% coverage rate to effectively mitigate the disease’s impact.

In addition to vaccination efforts, experts emphasize the role of preventive measures such as practicing safe sex and maintaining good hygiene to reduce the risk of penile cancer. Dr. Neil Barber from Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust points out that unprotected sex and poor hygiene can heighten the risk, with uncircumcised individuals being more susceptible to the disease. The demographic most affected by penile cancer is typically men in their 60s, highlighting the importance of early detection and regular screenings for at-risk individuals.

Despite the concerning increase in diagnoses worldwide, penile cancer remains relatively rare compared to other types of cancer. In Uganda and Brazil, the incidence rates stand at 2.2 and 2.1 per 100,000 men, respectively. The statistics underscore the need for continued research, awareness campaigns, and proactive measures to address the rising cases of penile cancer globally.