To examine the epidemiology of penile cancer in Poland compared to other European countries.
Incidence and mortality data were acquired from the national cancer registries in Europe and WHO Mortality Database, respectively. The data are presented as age-standardised morbidity and mortality rates, calculated according to the standard population of the world. We utilised Joinpoint analysis to assess the trends in morbidity and mortality and calculated the average rate of increase or decrease (Annual Percentage Change, Average Annual Percentage Change). Additionally, we estimate the proxy survival rates for each country.
Our study is the first to cover the incidence of penile cancer in many European countries and estimates an approximate survival rate for large populations, which is rarely cited in the literature. The 40+ age group presented graphically in the article covered more than 90% of penile cancer cases and deaths. In the countries examined, there was an excess of deaths over incidence in the oldest age groups (75 years or older). Poland had intermediate incidence and mortality rates.
Unlike many European countries, Poland is witnessing an increasing trend of penile cancer mortality. The higher death toll among those aged 75 years or older may suggest a lack of recognition of cancer symptoms and inadequate attention to elderly patients by the healthcare system. There is also evidence of underreporting penile cancer cases. Establishing centralised healthcare systems for rare cancers is a commendable development that should be emulated by other European countries, including Poland.
Cancer medicine. 2024 Aug [Epub]
Iwona Wnętrzak, Mateusz Czajkowski, Klaudia Barańska, Marta Miklewska, Urszula Wojciechowska, Roman Sosnowski, Joanna A Didkowska
Department of General and Oncological Urology, Praski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland., Department of Urology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland., Polish National Cancer Registry, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland., Department of Urology and Oncological Urology, MSWiA Hospital, Warmian-Masurian Cancer Center, Olsztyn, Poland.