The incidence of penile cancer in Scotland is higher than in the rest of the United Kingdom. The reason for this is not fully understood.The following information highlights the penile cancer support which is available in Scotland.
In Scotland there are 83 cases a year in a population of 5.2 million. In the rest of the UK population, there are 562 cases a year in a population of 60.2 million.
Additionally, those affected by Penile Cancer in Scotland are being diagnosed at a younger age. The reasons for this are not yet clear but the impact on those affected is huge.
At Orchid, we want to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of penile cancer in Scotland. We also want to provide better support to those affected and their families.
We are continuing to work with medical experts at the two penile cancer specialist centres – the Beatson Cancer Centre in the West of Scotland and the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
We are working particularly with the Glasgow Libraries Project, Maggie’s Centres and the North Cancer Alliance, to raise awareness of penile cancer amongst the people they serve. We are part of the Scotland Cancer Partnership Forum.
Support groups and training sessions for health professionals are being organised by us in partnership with these organisations.
A Scottish penile cancer patient has been appointed as a Patient Advocate to the European Reference Network for Penile Cancer – eUROGEN. They are helping to improve patient treatment and support.
Orchid is also a Patient Advocate organisation with eUROGEN and the European Association of Urology (EAU) Patient Office and is contributing to a number of work streams, including patient pathways and patient information.
There is an independent online penile cancer peer support group in Scotland. To find out more please email robert.cornes@orchid-cancer.org.uk or call the Orchid National Male Cancer Helpline on 0808 802 0010.
