Despite being a relatively rare cancer in developed nations, penile cancer is a growing public health concern in Brazil, wiht alarming rates of amputation and mortality. Recent data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health indicates over 2,900 penile amputations and at least 2,300 deaths occurred between 2021 and 2025, largely attributed too late diagnoses stemming from societal stigmas and a lack of awareness. This February, the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU) launches its annual awareness campaign, aiming to educate men about prevention and the importance of seeking early medical attention.
Men’s health issues, particularly those related to intimate health, are often overlooked due to deeply ingrained societal taboos and stigmas. This silence contributes to delayed diagnoses and alarming rates of conditions like penile cancer. Between 2021 and 2025, Brazil’s Ministry of Health recorded over 2,900 penile amputations and at least 2,300 deaths related to the disease, highlighting a critical public health concern.
In response to these concerning figures, the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU) conducts a national awareness campaign each February to educate men about the risks of penile cancer and how to prevent it. Early detection and open conversation are key to improving outcomes.
Siga o canal do Correio no WhatsApp e receba as principais notícias do dia no seu celular
According to SBU President Roni de Carvalho Fernandes, penile cancer leads to preventable mutilations in Brazil, largely due to a lack of awareness, the stigma surrounding the condition, and late diagnosis. “This is a rare tumor in developed countries, but it still has a significant incidence in Brazil, especially in the North and Northeast regions, where the highest rates of the disease are concentrated,” Fernandes stated.
The SBU emphasizes several important points for early detection. Men should be vigilant for any sores or patches that don’t heal, accumulated debris, unusual odors, or warts on the penis. If any of these signs are observed, consulting a specialist is crucial. Preventive measures recommended by the organization include vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), surgical correction of phimosis, and maintaining good personal hygiene.
Rui Mascarenhas, supervisor of the penile cancer discipline at the SBU, underscored the importance of diagnosing the disease in its early stages. “Penile cancer has a predictable behavior when identified early. Initial lesions can be treated with conservative procedures, preserving urinary and sexual function,” Mascarenhas explained. He noted that the real challenge arises when patients seek medical attention months or even years after the tumor has begun to develop. In these cases, “partial or total amputation often becomes the only option.”
*Estagiário sob supervisão de Paulo Leite
Júlio Noronha*
Estudante de jornalismo no Centro Universitário Iesb, é estagiário do site do Correio Braziliense.
