A 36-year-old man from Blackpool is sharing his story after a persistent rash on his penis was ultimately diagnosed as penile cancer.

Initial Symptoms and Delay in Seeking Help

Patrick Meehan first noticed a rash while showering in early 2021. He initially believed it was a reaction to a new shower gel, but grew concerned when it didn’t clear up after a week.

After receiving a steroid cream from his GP, the rash subsided, but a pea-sized lump remained under his foreskin. This lump eventually ulcerated, resembling a burn. Due to work commitments at a home for teenagers in care, Patrick delayed seeking further medical attention until October 2021.

Shocking Diagnosis

Following a referral to a genitourinary medicine clinic, a biopsy revealed the diagnosis: penile cancer. Patrick was stunned, having never considered such a possibility.

Rising Incidence of Penile Cancer

Penile cancer, while rare, has seen a 20% increase in diagnoses over the past decade, according to Professor Asif Muneer, a consultant urological surgeon at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Link to HPV and Other Risk Factors

The rise in cases may be linked to increasing rates of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. While most HPV infections resolve on their own, certain subtypes can lead to cancer over time.

Patrick tested negative for HPV, and doctors attributed his case to ‘bad luck.’ Other risk factors include smoking, a weakened immune system, and conditions like lichen sclerosus or phimosis.

Importance of Early Detection

The psychological impact of penile cancer can be significant. Early symptoms, such as painless lumps, sores, or unusual growths, are often mistaken for less serious conditions.

With approximately 770 new cases and 180 deaths annually in the UK, penile cancer remains a significant health concern, particularly for men over 50. Awareness and early detection are crucial for improving patient outcomes.