Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most people dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends.
To address the widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com publishes this weekly sex column every Friday entitled “Let’s Talk Sex.” With this column, we hope to spark conversations about sex and tackle sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance.
The column is written by sexologist Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain. In today’s column, Dr. Jain penile and breast cancer and preventive measures you can take to offset the risk.
What is Penile Cancer?
Penile cancer, also known as penile cancer, is a relatively rare cancer that affects the skin and tissues of the penis. It occurs when normally healthy cells in the penis become malignant and begin to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor.
Penile Cancer Symptoms
People with penile cancer may experience the following symptoms or signs:
• A growth or ulcer on the penis, especially on the glans or foreskin, but cancer can also occur on the shaft
• Changes in penis color
• Thickening of the skin on the penis
• Persistent discharge with a foul odor under the foreskin
• Blood from the tip of the penis or from under the foreskin
• Unexplained pain in the shaft or tip of the penis
• Irregular or growing bluish-brown flat lesions or marks under the foreskin or on the penis
• Reddish, velvety rash under the foreskin
• Small, crusty bumps under the foreskin
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
• Irregular swelling at the tip of the penis
Risk Factors and Prevention
Knowing the risk factors and talking about them with your doctor 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 main 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 against HPV during sex. HPV vaccines can prevent you from developing certain cancers.
• 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 risk of chronic inflammation, which can lead to cancer.
• HIV/AIDS: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection 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 is compromised to fight cancer in its early stages.
• Psoriasis Treatment: The drug psoralen in combination with ultraviolet (UV) light may increase your risk of developing penile cancer.
prevention
• Lifestyle Factors: Not smoking and avoiding sexual practices that could lead to HPV or HIV/AIDS infection can help lower the risk of penile cancer.
• Personal hygiene: Cleaning the area under the foreskin regularly and carefully can reduce the risk of developing 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 starts when healthy cells in the breast turn and grow out of control, forming a mass or cell layer called a tumor.
Symptoms of breast cancer
The majority of women with breast cancer show no body changes or symptoms when they are first diagnosed with breast cancer. However, some early signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
• A breast lump or bulge that feels different from surrounding tissue
• Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
• Changes in the skin above the breast, such as dimpling
• Peeling, flaking, crusting or flaking of the pigmented skin area around the nipple or breast skin
• Redness or pitting in the skin above your breast, like the peel of an orange
• Chest pain that won’t go away
• Inverted Nipple and Nipple Drain
Risk Factors and Prevention
If you’re concerned about developing breast cancer, you may be wondering if there are steps you can take to prevent it. Some risk factors, such as family history, cannot be changed. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk. Also, those who are 55 years of age or older are at greater risk of breast cancer. Women are also more likely to get breast cancer than men. Here are some preventive measures you can take:
• Limit alcohol: The more you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight: If your weight is healthy, work to maintain it. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy strategies for achieving it. Reduce the number of calories you eat each day and slowly increase the amount of regular exercise.
• Be physically active: Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer.
• Breastfeeding: 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: If you’ve had radiotherapy before, especially to your head, neck, or chest, you’re more likely to get breast cancer.
Be vigilant, see your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes. Your doctor will ask you how long and how often you have had the symptoms, among other questions. This is to find the source of the problem, called a diagnosis.
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