Updated June 08, 2015.
Although it is not known exactly what causes penis cancer there are some risk factors that appear to make men more susceptible to the disease. Risk factors do not mean you will get penis cancer but they do, by definition, increase the chance. Cancer of the penis is very rare. Each year there are an estimated 1,295 cases in the USA, 143 cases in Canada and 265 cases in the UK.
Risk Factors for penile Cancer
Age Risk Factor for Penis Cancer
Over half of all penis cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 68. It is very rare in men under the age of 40 years.
Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV) Risk Factor for Penis Cancer
There are many types of Human Papillomavirus infection. HPV appears to be mostly transmitted during sexual contact though there is some debate about HPV being transmitted through infected underwear and wet towels. The type of HPV that causes genital warts is different to the type that can cause penile cancer.
Non Circumcised Men and Penis Cancer
Debate continues over whether being circumcised gives you protection from penis cancer. There is a lot of evidence to suggest other risk factors are more important e.g. HPV and smoking.
Smoking and Penis Cancer
Carcinogenic chemicals are taken into the body when you smoke. These chemicals (including benzyrene) can cause DNA damage and increases the risk of penile cancer.
Weakened Immune Systems and Penis Cancer
Various diseases including HIV and AIDS, or people who have to take medication to suppress their immune system are more susceptible to penis cancer.
Psoriasis as a Risk Factor for Penis Cancer
When psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, is treated with the drug psoralen in combination with phototherapy (light therapy) it can cause penis cancer.
Poor Penis Hygiene & Penis Cancer
Exactly how much someone's poor penis hygiene contributes to penis cancer is not known. Doctors believe a build up of smegma can contribute and be a risk factor for penis cancer. However the research is not overwhelming. Good hygiene will help to prevent inflammation and other infections.
American Cancer Society