Trends in penile cancer: a comparative study between Australia, England and Wales, and the US

Abstract

PurposeTo investigate and compare the trends in incidence and mortality of penile cancer between Australia, England and Wales, and the US, and provide hypotheses for these trends.MethodsCancer registry data from 1982 to 2005 inclusive were obtained from Australia, England and Wales, and the United States. From these data, age-specific, -standardised and mortality:incidence ratios were calculated, and compared.ResultsThe overall incidence of penile cancer in England and Wales (1.44 per 100,000 man-years) was higher than in Australia (0.80 per 100,000), and the US (0.66 per 100,000). Incidence of penile cancer in all three countries has remained relatively stable over time. Similarly, although the mortality rates were also higher in England and Wales (0.37 per 100,000 man-years) compared to Australia (0.18 per 100,000) and the US (0.15 per 100,000), the mortality/incidence ratios were similar for all three countries.ConclusionsPenile cancer incidence is low, affecting mainly older men. Rates differ between the three countries, being twice as common in England and Wales as in the other studied regions. Circumcision rates have a potential influence on these rates but are not the sole explanation for the variation.

Volume‐outcome relationship in penile cancer treatment: a population based patterns of care and outcomes study from Australia

“…A similar pattern has been observed with penile cancer mortality across these three countries . Interestingly, unlike the USA and UK, there is a statistically significant trend towards increasing incidence of penile cancer in Australia .…”

“…In Australia the age-standardised incidence of penile cancer is 0.80/100 000 man years and is lower than the UK (1.44) but higher than the USA (0.66) [6]. A similar pattern has been observed with penile cancer mortality across these three countries [6]. Interestingly, unlike the USA and UK, there is a statistically significant trend towards increasing incidence of penile cancer in Australia [6].…”

“…Known risk factors include tobacco smoking [2], low socio-economic status [3], phimosis [4] and HPV infection [5]). In Australia the age-standardised incidence of penile cancer is 0.80/100 000 man years and is lower than the UK (1.44) but higher than the USA (0.66) [6]. A similar pattern has been observed with penile cancer mortality across these three countries [6].…”

Circumcision in the paediatric patient: A review of indications, technique and complications

“…A 2015 comparative study found that the incidence of penile cancer in the USA is similar to that in Australia, even though circumcision rates in the USA are significantly higher . It has been proposed that the reduced incidence of penile cancer in Australia is associated with the fact that over two‐thirds of older men in Australia are currently circumcised.…”

Trends in incidence, mortality and treatment of penile cancer before and after centralisation of penile cancer services in England (1990–2009)

“…10 However, this is not the case in all developed countries, with the incidence being fairly stable over the same time period in the United States. 9 There are several possible causes behind this rise in incidence in England. Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is a known risk factor for penile cancer and it is found in about 40%-45% of penile cancers and 80%-100% of cases of PeIN.…”