Support Services

Orchid Male Cancer Helpline

Orchid provide a free phone confidential UK National Male Cancer Helpline for anyone who has been affected by penile, testicular and prostate cancer : 0808 802 0010. This is currently available on Wednesdays but has an answering service for callers to leave a message outside of this time. An Orchid nurse will check for saved messages and call back at the earliest convenience. The helpline service can often provide supportive information and signposting to peer support, including regular online meetings facilitated by Orchid, for both men and their partners who have been affected by penile cancer.

Telephone counselling

A Telephone Counselling Service is currently available for men and their partners who have been affected by penile cancer. for anyone affected by penile. More information on the counselling service can be found here The counselling service utilises professional counsellors who have been working with Orchid for the last few years and offers 8 counselling sessions. If possible in the first instance clients should speak to an Orchid nurse via the National Male Cancer Helpline: 0808 802 0010 or email robert.cornes@orchid-cancer.org.uk Basic information is required from clients, none of which is recorded on a charity database.

Peer Support

The rarity of penile cancer means that most men will never meet other men who have been affected by penile cancer. Peer support offers an opportunity for men to discuss their experience and share coping strategies and practical advice which may help them adjust to their diagnosis and treatment. Being able to meet others who understand the challenges of penile cancer can often help one cope with the consequences of treatment.

Orchid currently facilitates an online support group for men who have been affected by penile cancer 2-monthly, and an online support group for wives and partners every month. For details of these meetings please email robert.cornes@orchid-cancer.org.uk

Orchid currently facilitates two regular online support meetings.

One is for men who have been affected by penile cancer ( every two months, usually on a Tuesday evening 18.30-20.00), and the other is for the wives and partners of patients (every two months, usually on a Tuesday 11.00-13.00).

These meetings have been created as a safe space for those affected by penile cancer to come together and share their experiences, ask questions and learn from each other. They are hosted via Zoom. Participants do not have to be visible on screen nor interact-sometimes listening to others can help them make sense of their own situation.

No meetings or details of participants are recorded.

To take part, or for further details please email robert.cornes@orchid-cancer.org.uk

Penile Cancer Awareness and Support (closed Facebook Group)

This group is the largest online support group in the world for penile cancer. Originally set up by Mr Nigel Smith in 2011 following his own diagnosis of a particularly rare type of penile cancer, it is now maintained by his daughter Tammy and advocate and survivor Mr Wayne Earle. The group has a global reach with over 750 current group members. Like all support groups there are people who are in different situations, some positive and some negative, but it remains one of the most valuable sources of peer support we know of. Family and partners are also welcome to post on behalf of those affected.

Penile Cancer Support Group Scotland

This an independent monthly virtual support group, available on the first Wednesday of the month from 3-4pm. It was created by a young penile cancer advocate and is supported by both a Scottish Specialist Nurse as well as Orchid Nurse Rob Cornes. For more information please email robert.cornes@orchid-cancer.org.uk

Maggie`s Centre Manchester (Christie Hospital)

A three monthly meeting for men affected by penile cancer held at the local Maggie`s Centre on the first Wednesday of each month and supported by Orchid when possible.

For further information please email robert.cornes@orchid-cancer.org.uk

University College Hospital (UCLH)

University College Hospital (UCLH) in Euston Square, London holds a penile and urethral cancer support group on the first Tuesday of every month. For a link to their website, click here .

The meetings are both educational and supportive and are open to all men regardless of their treatment journey. There is no need to book and you can dip in and out of meetings as you wish. In addition men can join via a zoom link.

For more information about the penile cancer support group, contact Sadie Molloy, Clinical Nurse Specialist on 07852 219921 or email uclh.andrologycancercns@nhs.net

Reviewed November 2025