Man who had four inches of penis removed reveals ‘biggest sign’ something was wrong before cancer diagnosis
Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.
A man who underwent a partial penis amputation after being diagnosed with cancer has shared the warning signs which men should be aware of.
In 2019, Steven Hamill's life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with an 'aggressive' form of penile cancer which had been eating away at his manhood.
At just 26 years old, he was forced to undergo a partial penectomy, resulting in four inches of his penis being surgically removed.
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Now cancer-free, Steven has shared his experience with LADbible, revealing the biggest warning signs which suggested that all was not well downstairs.
"The initial sign was obviously the swelling of the head," the father-of-one explained in an 'Honesty Box' video.
He went on to explain that he also noticed pain and extensive bleeding, adding: "It was obviously all up the cupboards, all over the floor, dripping down my leg, all over my foot.
"So we weren't talking about a minimal bleed, like a nosebleed. We were talking more of a, you've caught your arm bleed with a knife, I would say, rather than a minimalistic nosebleed, blister bleed, anything like that."
What are the common signs of penile cancer?
Although it might feel uncomfortable to talk to anyone about what’s happening downstairs, allowing things to go untreated could prove to be far more uncomfortable.
As per the NHS, some of the most common symptoms of penile cancer include a growth, lump or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks, a rash, a smelly discharge or bleeding from your penis or under your foreskin. Phimosis, which is the technical term for difficulty pulling back your foreskin, is another potential sign, while it’s also worth speaking to a doctor if you notice a colour change down there.
Other more general symptoms of penile cancer include a lump in your groin area, losing weight without trying, feeling tired and experiencing pain in your stomach.
For Steven, one of the big symptoms he tells people to look out for is a 'change of colouring' at the head of the penis.
"If it goes like a reddish, brownish colour, go get checked immediately," he said. "Any swelling happens down below, go and get it checked. Don't do a me. Don't put it off for a week, and let it get to the point it bleeds... They're the two big ones I would say you need to go and get checked immediately."
Steven went on to add that 'raised lumps' on the shaft are also worth getting checked out by a GP, adding: "It's not going to heal itself no matter what it is. It could be a cut. It still needs help."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Brenna Cooper
