Penile Cancer Outcomes

Penile cancer survival rates vary greatly depending on stage at diagnosis. But statistics don’t tell the whole story.

First, penile cancer outcomes, including survival rates, are improving every day thanks to new treatment options being developed at top research centers like Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Second, penile cancer survival rates are highly individualized, so averages tend to be misleading.

Because every patient’s penile cancer is different, their outcomes will be, too. At Winship, Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are a leader in genitourinary cancer treatment and research. We develop and deliver the latest, most effective cancer treatments with the fewest side effects. As a result, our outcomes — our survival rates, rates of recurrence and management of long-term side effects — are better than most other cancer centers in the country.

Winship is the only NCI-designated cancer center in Georgia, meaning we are required to meet rigorous standards. State-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge treatments, breakthrough research and lifesaving clinical trials are part of what make Winship a destination for patients seeking specialized treatment.

Because NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Winship represent the most innovative cancer centers in the nation, it’s no surprise they also have the best survival rates. Research shows survival rates are up to 25% higher when starting treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Researchers attribute these higher survival rates to surgical expertise, guideline compliance, access to clinical trials and team approaches to treatment planning, all of which are paramount at Winship.

While many penile cancer patients will never have a recurrence, some will. Having cancer once means you’re at increased risk for developing another type of cancer in the future.

At Winship, we’re proud to offer some of the most long-lasting treatments and post-treatment follow-up care in the country. We’ll design your treatment plan in a way that not only provides you the best penile cancer prognosis but also helps keep your cancer from returning.

For patients whose penile cancer is treated with surgery, we have quality measures that include testing the surrounding tissue to confirm there’s no remaining cancer. Once you’ve completed treatment at Winship, we will continue to closely monitor your condition to ensure you remain cancer-free and assist you with the management of any long-term side effects of treatment.

At Winship, you will receive the most powerful and precise treatments available with the least adverse side effects possible. Our genitourinary oncology surgeons have the experience and expertise to perform intricate procedures while preserving urinary and sexual function. And our medical oncologists, who specialize in the treatment of penile cancer, have the experience to know when to use chemotherapy, sparing many patients from unnecessary treatment.

We also understand there are a lot of complex emotions surrounding penile cancer, particularly when it comes to sexual function and fertility. That’s why we have a psychiatric oncologist and counselors on staff to help you cope with the mental and emotional aspects of cancer for as long as you need us.