Penile cancer is a rare cancer, where patients not only need to deal with the anxiety around a cancer diagnosis, but also manage the consequences of treatment on their self-esteem, body image, and intimate relationships. Many find it embarrassing and difficult to talk to family and friends. Due to this, changes in urination and other physical effects of treatment, many will withdraw from social activities too. Patients need psychosocial support and more needs to be done to address this unmet need. Holistic and multidisciplinary approaches in clinic, with access to counseling, may help patients adjust to their new situation.
The Urologic clinics of North America. 2024 Apr 16 [Epub]
Benjamin E Ayres
Department of Urology, St. George's University Hospitals, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London SW17 0QT, UK. Electronic address: .