Risk Factors for Penile Cancer
- Infection of HPV. HPV is a virus that is transmitted from skin to skin contact during sexual intercourse. It is a very common virus and doesn't always prevent symptoms. HPV is also the leading cause of cervical cancer in women.
Smoking increases your risk factor for penile cancer.
Smoking increases your risk factor many types of cancers, not just penile cancer. When you smoke, you inhale harmful chemicals and substances that cause damage to cells' DNA. These carcinogens can cause damage to cells in the penis, thus causing penile cancer. Smoking also makes it difficult for the body to fight an HPV infection.
Age and Gender
Just being a male over the age of sixty increases your risk factor for penile cancer.
Being infected with AIDS virus
Having AIDS increases your risk factor for penile cancer, also. It is believed that the lowered immune system of people with AIDS is the factor.
Personal hygiene
Personal hygiene in the genital area is very important. Oily secretions, dead skin and bacteria can build up under the foreskin. This buildup is called smegma. Smegma can sometimes have a foul odor. It is believed that smegma may have cancer causing properties to it.
Penile Cancer Prevention Tips
]Always use a condom. Wearing a condom may provide protection against HPV. HPV is a virus transmitted through sexual contact that is linked to several types of cancer. Condoms also protect HPV.Limit the amount of sexual partners you have. When a person has multiple sexual partners, they are at an increased risk for HPV.
Quit smoking. Not only does smoking put you at risk for penile cancer, it also puts you at cancer for many other types of cancer, like lung cancer.
