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Penile cancer cases are projected to surge by 77% globally over the next 26 years, according to a comprehensive analysis by the BBC. The rise is particularly alarming in Europe and developing countries, based on the latest data.

Growing Incidence Across Continents

Recent data shows a notable increase in penile cancer cases across various countries. Germany experienced a 50% rise from 1961 to 2012, and the U.K. has also seen a significant uptick. Researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University in China, who analyzed data from 43 countries, confirmed that while developing nations still have the highest incidence and mortality rates, Europe is not immune to this trend.

Brazil, ranking just behind Uganda for the highest rates of penile cancer globally, reported 21,000 cases between 2012 and 2022. This decade saw 4,000 deaths and over 6,500 amputations due to the disease. Despite vaccine availability, Brazil's low human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are a major contributing factor, according to the BBC.

HPV Vaccination: A Key Preventive Measure

HPV is a significant risk factor for penile cancer. Mauricio Dener Cordeiro from the Brazilian Society of Urology noted the critical role of vaccination. In Brazil, the HPV vaccination coverage remains low, with only 57% of girls and less than 40% of boys vaccinated, far short of the 90% coverage needed to effectively prevent the disease.

"In Brazil, despite the availability of the vaccine, the HPV vaccination rate remains low for girls -- reaching only 57% -- and for boys, it doesn't exceed 40%. The ideal coverage to prevent the disease is 90%," Cordeiro said.

Additional Risk Factors: Hygiene, Protection and Age

Dr. Neil Barber, Clinical Lead for Urology at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, has emphasized that beyond HPV, factors such as poor hygiene and unprotected sex elevate the risk of penile cancer. The disease is more prevalent in uncircumcised men and those aged 60 and above. The aging global population is also a contributing factor to the rising cases.

"Established risk factors also include unprotected sex, specifically not using condoms, with poor hygiene further increasing risks," Barber explained.

Early detection through awareness of symptoms like penile discharge or discoloration can prevent severe outcomes, including amputation.

Need for Early Detection and Awareness

Men are advised to be vigilant about changes in their penile health, such as unusual discharge, color changes, or alterations in sex drive. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and preventing the need for drastic measures like amputation.

Despite the rising numbers, penile cancer remains relatively rare compared to other cancers. In Uganda, the rate was 2.2 per 100,000 men between 2008 and 2012, and in Brazil, it stood at 2.1 per 100,000 men during the same period. Nonetheless, the upward trend calls for increased public health efforts and individual vigilance, according to the New York Post.