Circumcision & Cancer Prevention

It is one of the scariest words in the English language: cancer. You never want to hear it in relation to yourself, your friends and family members, or your partner. We should all work together to educate ourselves on how we can prevent cancer and progress toward a world with less sadness and pain.

Dr. Mo Bidair has dedicated his entire professional life to improving patients’ lives. His approach to wellness is holistic and comprehensive. With the help of Dr. Bidair, you can explore your cancer prevention options, specifically when it pertains to penile health. Conveniently located in La Mesa and proudly serving the needs of the greater San Diego region, California Adult Circumcision is a leader in the fight against cancer. To learn how we can address your questions and concerns, please contact us at your earliest convenience. 

Does Circumcision Prevent Penile Cancer?

The causes of cancer are maddeningly unpredictable. They range from genetics to UV rays to diet. While we can’t control our heredity, we can do our best to limit the risk factors we can identify. The best weapon we have in assessing cancer rates is data. Numbers do not lie, so we can take comfort in the hard facts of scientific research.

According to one extensive survey of men diagnosed with penile cancer, circumcision was a compelling preventative measure.^[1]

118 participants in the survey received a diagnosis of carcinoma in situ. This is defined as a Stage Zero condition in which a group of localized abnormal cells are identified in one area of the body, in this case, the penis. Of these 118 cases, only 16 had been circumcised as infants.

The numbers become even more convincing when we look at men diagnosed with invasive penile cancer. Of an 89 person group, only 2 of them were circumcised as newborns. That translates to a rate of 2.3% of penile cancer patients who were circumcised. While circumcision does not completely rule out the possibility of developing penile cancer, it demonstrates an effectiveness rate of 97.3% in this particular study.

Phimosis and Cancer

To better understand the link between circumcision and penile cancer, we must delve deeper into the complications that may arise for uncircumcised men. One such condition is called phimosis. When a man or boy is unable to retract their foreskin because it is too tight, then he is dealing with phimosis. The affliction can lead to inflammation and irritation, and it can also trap smegma beneath the foreskin. Smegma is a thick secretion that accumulates around the corona (head) or the penis when it is not properly cleaned. Since phimosis prevents men from regularly and thoroughly cleaning under their foreskins, smegma buildup is an inevitable result.

While the American Cancer Society has not definitively linked the existence of smegma with the occurrence or persistence of penile cancer, they still list it prominently on their risk factors page. Not only can smegma lead to increased inflammation and irritation, but it can also obscure the appearance of certain cancers. Contrary to popular opinion, what you can’t see CAN hurt you. Early detection is essential in assessing and treating cancer, so please look for the following symptoms to prepare yourself.

These last two symptoms underscore the need to thoroughly check under the foreskin for early signs of penile cancer. If smegma masks these telltale indications, then it is prohibiting the detection and treatment of cancer. One sure way to prevent the complications of smegma and phimosis is to consider the benefits of adult circumcision. 

HPV and Cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a phrase that encapsulates over 150 viruses. It can be contracted and spread through sexual contact, so its relation to penile cancer is important to explore. According to a study of over 1,000 men, the correlation between HPV and circumcision is striking.^[2] Of 847 uncircumcised men, 166 of them were diagnosed with HPV, which represents 19.6% of the sample. Among the 292 circumcised men, however, only 16 had HPV, which is 5.5% of the survey. This means that the uncircumcised men in the study were three and a half times more likely to develop HPV than the circumcised men.

HPV data is an important factor to consider when discussing penile cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, HPV is present in approximately half of all penile cancer diagnoses. Hence, if circumcision decreases the incidence of HPV, it can invariably reduce the risk of penile cancer.

The link between HPV and cancer is not just important news for men; it also affects the women in their lives. In the aforementioned study, women in partnerships with circumcised men were less likely to develop cervical cancer than women involved with uncircumcised men. This is largely due to the correlation between HPV and cervical cancer. 

Candidates for Circumcision

As the popular adage goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best way to treat cancer is to avoid getting it in the first place. The evidence proving that circumcision helps curb the risk of penile cancer is riveting.

If you are uncircumcised and concerned about the possibility of developing any of the complications or conditions described above, then Dr. Bidair is here for you.

California Adult Circumcision can assess your anatomy and determine your eligibility for a procedure with Dr. Bidair. To begin this vitally important process, please do not hesitate to contact our La Mesa office.

Preparation for Circumcision

During your individualized consultation at California Adult Circumcision, we will provide you with a set of detailed instructions to prepare you for surgery. Your anatomy will determine the type of circumcision that is right for your body. Please follow the doctor’s preparation instructions closely and arrange for a loved one to drive you to and from the clinic on the day of your procedure. 

The Circumcision Procedure

Dr. Bidair is an expert in his field. Applying his vast knowledge of urology and aesthetics, Dr. Bidair approaches circumcision with an eye for precision and wellness. For these reasons, he spends longer on a surgery than many surgeons who are merely performing the procedure with functionality in mind.

You will receive the appropriate anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure, which may last for 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Bidair wants to make sure that he is thoroughly addressing any issues like phimosis and smegma that can contribute to penile cancer. In addition, he will apply his artful cosmetic skills to ensure that the final product looks and feels the way you desire.

Recovery and Results

It is normal to experience swelling following a circumcision surgery. Please keep the area clean, dry, and comfortable. Wear supportive underwear like briefs, rather than boxers, to support the treated region.

After about two weeks, you should be able to resume sexual activity. The full effects of your recovery should manifest themselves between one to three months following surgery. Please do not engage in strenuous activity or irritate the penile area in the days and weeks after your circumcision. 

FAQ

References 

1. Schoen, EJ, Oehrli, M, Colby, CJ, and Machin, G. (2000). The Highly Protective Effect of Newborn Circumcision Against Invasive Penile Cancer. Pediatrics. 105(3)e36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.105.3.e36 
2. Castellsagué, X, Bosch, X, Muñoz, N, Meijer, CJ, Shah, KV, de Sanjosé, S, Eluf-Neto, J, Ngelangel, CA, Chichareon, S, Smith, JS, Herrero, R, Moreno, V, et al. (2002). Male Circumcision, Penile Human Papillomavirus Infection, and Cervical Cancer in Female Partners. The New England Journal of Medicine. 346:1105-1112. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa011688