3 days ago
The seven major symptoms of ‘aggressive' rare cancer you might notice when using bathroom as HSE say ‘know the signs'
MEN are being urged to look out for the signs of an "aggressive" rare cancer that they might notice when using the bathroom.
Some 60 males are diagnosed with penile cancer each year in Ireland.
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The HSE awareness campaign highlights rare penis cancer
Credit: GETTY
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Whether you or a loved one is male, everyone should know the signs
Credit: GETTY
To coincide with
It is aimed at raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Early detection significantly improves survival and can help preserve function and appearance.
Most men affected are usually in the over 50s age bracket, but it doesn't mean that all men still shouldn't be cautious.
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The new campaign, Know the Signs, features a short
with
penile cancer survivor Cormac France.
The dad-of-four, from
.
Cormac told the
"Because I don't smoke, I didn't think I would be a candidate to get cancer, never mind penile cancer, which is rarer again.
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"Looking back from when I was diagnosed, I did notice, the six months or so previous, that's when the changes really started.
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"With weight loss, chronic tiredness, and as time progressed, the smell from my penis was horrendous, and then the penis started to split."
These major symptoms are due to the growth of the
The brave father warned male listeners about this deadly disease as he said: "Cancer can reach every part of your body, and people have to realise that."
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MAIN SYMPTOMS
TO coincide with Men's Health Week the HSE has launched a new campaign called 'Know the Signs'.
Here are some of the main symptoms/signs to look out for:
A growth or sore on your penis that doesn't heal within 4 weeks – it may look like a wart or blister
Bleeding from your penis or from under the foreskin
A foul-smelling discharge under the foreskin (not ejaculation)
Swelling or difficulty pulling back the foreskin (phimosis)
A change in skin colour on the penis or foreskin to blueish or brown
A rash or small crusty bumps on the penis
Consultant Urologist and Lead of the National Penile Cancer Service, Mr Ivor Cullen, has shared his concerns about the stigma the rare disease.
He said: "Although a rare disease, penile cancer is a very aggressive disease when it has spread.
"Penile cancer is, in large part, preventable, yet we're still seeing men present late because of stigma and lack of awareness.
"It's a sensitive subject, yes, but early detection makes all the difference, not just for survival, but for preserving function and quality of life.'
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For more information on this rare cancer visit or read their new booklet titled: 'What I Need to Know About Penile Cancer'.
It is a guide designed to help men, families and healthcare professionals recognise symptoms early, understand risk factors, and access treatment and support
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The HSE now have a book to help men catch this deadly disease early
Credit: GETTY
