This Month (March 2026) saw the launch of the #NameIt campaign from The Urology Foundation. 80% of men use nicknames when talking about their penis, yet only 10% know anything about penile cancer symptoms. This needs to change. 

This bold awareness initiative from The Urology Foundation aims at breaking the taboo around penile cancer by encouraging men to talk openly about their bodies using humour. You might have already read all about it in The Urology News, but you can read more about the #NameIt campaign here. 

 

What are the symptoms of Penile Cancer?

Whilst rare, it’s important to recognise the signs of Penile Cancer so it can be caught early. Early diagnosis improves treatment success rates as well as potentially requiring less invasive surgical interventions. 

Symptoms of Penile Cancer include:

  • A rash on your penis
  • A growth, ulcer or lump on your penis
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding from your penis or under your foreskin
  • Discharge – sometimes smelly
  • Your foreskin changing colour
  • Any lumps or bumps around your groin area

If you notice any of these symptoms then you need to seek advice from a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Whilst some early symptoms can look like a dermatology issue, it’s important to rule out other possible causes. You can read more about the symptoms of penile cancer and what to look out for here. 

 

Let’s start talking about men’s penile health

Reducing stigma and getting men talking about penile health is a vital first step towards improving health outcomes. 

Penile Cancer exists, unfortunately, so it’s important to raise awareness and make sure as many men know about it as those who use nicknames for their penis. 

Ambassador for The Urology Foundation Stephen Fry is one important high profile voice, helping to reach more men and get them talking about Penile Cancer and penile health in general. 

Stephen Fry speaks about the #NameIt campaign and why it is so important – You can watch it here: 

 

LMC’s Prof Muneer Speaks on The Sports Bar via talkSPORT

But Stephen Fry isn’t the only one talking about this important issue – London Men’s Clinic Andrologist and Urologist Professor Asif Muneer has also been doing his bit to raise awareness about Penile Cancer. 

On Wednesday 25th March, Prof Muneer virtually joined The Sports Bar hosts Jason Cundy & Jamie O’Hara live on talkSPORT to discuss The Urology Foundation’s #NameIt campaign. 

The full video is below – Start watching from 1.36.03 to hear what Prof Muneer had to say. 

 

Prof Muneer says:

“Penile cancer is a rare disease affecting 700 men per year in the UK.  It often appears as a painless growth or ulcer on the foreskin or head of the penis. Unfortunately, men with penile cancer will often present late. We don’t fully know why this is, but it will be partly down to embarrassment, fear and a lack of awareness. An early diagnosis will mean better outcomes and less radical and invasive treatment for a patient. 

A national campaign to raise awareness of penile cancer is very important. There are many patients that I’ve seen who had never heard of penile cancer.

The UK has supraregional penile cancer networks and therefore all patients can be seen as an urgent referral. Don’t leave it too late. Don’t be embarrassed – get it checked out.”

 

Whilst practicing at London Men’s Clinic, Professor Muneer is also part of a network of world-leading men’s health professionals at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This team of Andrology Specialist Urologists, Dermatologists, Oncologists, Pathologists and Radiologists are making a huge difference as a Multidisciplinary Team for Penile and Testicular cancers. 

Professor Muneer, Mr Asif Hussain and Mr Varun Sahdev are all part of this passionate team at UCLH as well as here at London Men’s Clinic. 

 

Find out more about Penile Cancer from world-leading experts

You may also be interested in a previous podcast recording from GU Cast with hosts Renu Eapen and Declan Murphy, where Professor Muneer joins fellow world-leading expert in Penile Cancer Nathan Lawrentschuk from Royal Melbourne Hospital Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Together they cover all the key topics in Penile Cancer from peculiar lesions to organ-preserving surgery. 

You can watch it here: 

 

Don’t let embarrassment stop you from getting checked out

Early detection and diagnosis leads to more successful treatment outcomes. If you can talk about your penis with nicknames with your friends like in the #NameIt campaign, then you can book an appointment to see your GP or other healthcare provider. 

To make an appointment with our specialist team, please give us a call or send us an enquiry.