Sex may be pervasive in our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian homes. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow unscientific advice from their friends.
To dispel widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is running this weekly sex column titled ‘Let’s Talk Sex’ every Friday. We hope to start the conversation about sex with this column and address issues of sexual health with scientific insight and nuance.
This column is being written by Sexologist Prof. (Dr.) Saransh Jain. In today’s column, Dr. Jain talks about penile and breast cancer and the preventive steps you can take to reduce the risk.
What is penile cancer?
Penile cancer, also known as cancer of the penis, is a relatively rare form of cancer that affects the skin and tissues of the penis. It occurs when normally healthy cells in the penis become cancerous and grow out of control, forming a tumor.
Symptoms of penile cancer
The following signs or symptoms may appear in people with penile cancer:
• A growth or lesion on the penis, especially on the glans or foreskin, but cancer can also occur on the shaft
• Change in the color of the penis
• Thickening of the skin on the penis
• Persistent discharge with foul odor under the foreskin
• Blood from the tip of the penis or under the foreskin
• Unexplained pain in the shaft or tip of the penis
• Irregular or growing bluish-gray flat sores or marks under the foreskin or on the penis
• Red, velvety rash under the foreskin
• small, rough bumps under the foreskin
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
• Irregular swelling at the end of the penis
Risk factors and prevention
Knowing the risk factors and talking to your doctor about them can help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices. The following factors can increase a person’s risk of developing penile cancer:
, HPV infection: The most important risk factor for penile cancer is infection with this virus. Sexual activity with a person who has HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common way to get it. A condom cannot fully protect you from HPV during sex. The HPV vaccine can protect you from developing certain types of cancer.
, smoking: Smoking tobacco can lead to penile cancer, especially in people who also have HPV.
, Age: Penile cancer is most common in people over the age of 50.
, Poor penile hygiene: Poor penile hygiene increases the chances of chronic inflammation, which can lead to cancer.
, HIV / AIDS: Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a risk factor for penile cancer. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person has HIV, the immune system to fight off early-stage cancer is compromised.
, Psoriasis Treatment: The medicine psoralen together with ultraviolet (UV) light may increase your risk of developing penile cancer.
Redressal
, Lifestyle Factors: Not smoking and avoiding sexual activity that can lead to HPV or HIV/AIDS infection can help reduce your risk of penile cancer.
, personal hygiene: Regular careful and thorough cleaning of the subcutaneous area can reduce the risk of penile cancer.
, Circumcision: Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from the human penis. Circumcision before adulthood appears to offer some protection against penile cancer. However, it is important to note that circumcision reduces but does not eliminate the risk of penile cancer.
If you have symptoms of penile cancer, make an appointment with a doctor or urologist as soon as possible.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. It is the most common invasive cancer in women. It can start in one or both breasts. Cancer begins when healthy cells in the breast change and grow out of control, forming a mass or sheet of cells called a tumor.
breast cancer symptoms
Most women with breast cancer do not notice any changes or symptoms when they are first diagnosed with breast cancer. However, some early signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
• A lump or thickening in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue
• Changes in the size, shape or appearance of the breast
• Changes in the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
• Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the pigmented area of the skin around the nipple or breast
• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, such as the skin of an orange
• Breast pain that doesn’t go away
• Inverted nipple and nipple discharge
Risk factors and prevention
If you are concerned about developing breast cancer, you may be wondering if there are steps you can take to help prevent it. Some risk factors, such as family history, cannot be changed. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk. Also, those who are 55 or older have a higher risk of breast cancer. Also, women are more likely to get breast cancer than men. Here are some preventive steps you can take:
, Limit alcohol: The more you consume alcohol, the higher your risk of developing breast cancer.
, Maintain a healthy weight: If your weight is healthy, then work to maintain it. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy strategies to accomplish this. Decrease the number of calories you eat per day and gradually increase the amount of regular exercise.
, Be physically active: Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer.
, Feeding The Beast: Breastfeeding may play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect.
, Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy: Combination hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy.
, radiation exposure: You’re more likely to get breast cancer if you’ve had prior radiation therapy, especially to your head, neck, or chest.
Be alert, if you notice any changes in your breasts, such as new lumps or skin changes, consult your doctor. Your doctor will ask, among other questions, how long and how often you have been experiencing symptoms. This is to help determine the cause of the problem, which is called a diagnosis.
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