The past, present and future of penile cancer in the Nordic countries. Results from NORDCAN

Abstract

Objectives

This work aims to present epidemiological data on penile cancer from the Nordic region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) and discuss the results in light of the present knowledge and possible future treatment strategies.

Patients and Methods

All patients diagnosed with penile cancer in the Nordic countries between 2000 and 2022 were identified in the NORDCAN database. Data on the number of new cases per year, incidence (presented as an age-standardized rate using the Nordic population as a reference), prevalence, mortality, relative survival and predictions on the future societal impact of this cancer was retrieved.

Results

A total of 6106 cases of penile cancer were registered in a population that increased from about 12–14 million men over the period. The age-standardized incidence has significantly increased over time and is now above 2.0 per 100 000 men. Currently, more than 300 new cases are diagnosed each year, and more than 3000 men live with a penile cancer diagnosis. Mortality, as well as both 1-year and 5-year relative survival have, however, remained nearly unchanged. Using the NORPRED model, it is predicted that the yearly number of penile cancer cases will continue to increase in all the countries investigated over the next decade.

Conclusion

Penile cancer incidence and prevalence have increased in the Nordic region over the last 20 years. Mortality and survival, however, have remained unchanged. The number of new penile cancer cases is predicted to increase over the next decade. Better treatment options for these patients are therefore urgently needed.