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Read our stories

Every year over 400 men in the UK will be diagnosed with penile cancer.  And yet it's a cancer which few people have heard or read about. But it is by talking about male cancer that other men and women will be made aware of and notice the sign and symptoms.  As with all cancers, early diagnosis can often lead to less complicated treatment and ultimately save lives.

Orchid understands that this is a sensitive topic to discuss so is extremely grateful to those who are willing to share their personal stories with us. We hope these inspirational stories will help others to understand their experiences and provide support for those in a similar situation.

If you would like to share your story with us please e-mail info@orchid-cancer.org.uk

Danny, diagnosed in 2009, Glasgow

I remember I had originally gone to my GP about four years ago now with what had looked like a boil or wart like growth near the end of my foreskin. My GP was a bit annoyed that I had not approached him sooner (the growth had been emerging for about two or three months). Click here to read more...

Sandy Brown, diagnosed in 2007 aged 53, Fife

 In 2007 I was diagnosed with penile cancer - a very rare type of cancer. After I noticed a growth on my penis I started to read up on the likely causes, I was hoping it was some kind of wart and as you can imagine this is very embarassing and I put off going to the doctor for almost one year. Click here to read more...

Women can play an important role in encouraging men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the three male cancers so they can seek advice as early as possible.

A cancer diagnosis of a loved one can have a huge impact on partners and family members.  It is important that they are not forgotten and support is on hand for them too at this difficult time.  A penile cancer diagnosis especially can put a lot of pressure on a relationship.  Orchid encourages men to talk to the women in their lives and to accept help from loved ones.

Here are some stories of some inspirational woman who have supported their partners through a penile cancer experience.

Caroline, County Durham

Her husband was diagnosed with penile cancer aged just 45, and sadly passed away 2 years later.

On 3rd October 2008 Mick had gone into hospital for a circumcision, for which his GP referred him, after having had several visits to his GP and being treated for balitis (male thrush). We did not know then, as we do now that these symptoms can be early symptoms of penile cancer.

Click here to read her full story .....

Maureen

When my husband was diagnosed with penile cancer last year we had never heard of this rare cancer. So few people do.

Like a lot of men my husband was very hesitant to go to the doctor. 

Click here to read her full story ..... 

‘His Health In Your Hands’ 
 

'His Health In Your Hands' is our new campaign calling on women to be proactive in encouraging their man to be aware of the signs and symptoms of male specific cancers and to seek advice as early as possible. To download a PDF of our campaign poster click here.

Click here to read our Chief Executive, Rebecca Porta's top tips for getting your man to the GP.