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Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 129 views

The Relationship Between the Level of Knowledge and Prevention of Penile Cancer in the People of Medan City

Introduction

Penile cancer is a significant health issue that requires attention, especially in developing countries. In Indonesia, North Sumatra Province has the highest incidence of penile cancer outside of Java. The main challenge in handling this cancer is the delay in the community in finding medical help. Several risk factors contribute to the development of penile cancer, including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and acute immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), uncircumcised penis conditions, phimosis, smegma, smoking habits, elderly, and other social factors.

Understanding Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is a type of cancer that affects the penis, and it is more common in developing countries. The risk factors for penile cancer are varied, and they include:

HPV infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause penile cancer.
HIV and AIDS: People with HIV or AIDS are more susceptible to penile cancer.
Uncircumcised penis: Men who are not circumcised are more likely to develop penile cancer.
Phimosis: Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is tight and cannot be retracted.
Smegma: Smegma is a substance that accumulates under the foreskin and can cause penile cancer.
Smoking habits: Smoking is a significant risk factor for penile cancer.
Elderly: Penile cancer is more common in older men.
Social factors: Social factors, such as lack of education and awareness, can contribute to the development of penile cancer.

The Importance of Knowledge in Preventing Penile Cancer

Knowledge is a critical factor in preventing penile cancer. When people are aware of the risk factors and symptoms of penile cancer, they are more likely to take preventive measures. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the level of community knowledge and the prevention of penile cancer in the city of Medan.

Methodology

This study used a cross-sectional design with convenience sampling techniques. The data analysis was carried out using the chi-square test, the exact fisher test, and the Spearman ranking correlation coefficient.

Results

The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the level of public knowledge and the prevention of penile cancer, with the value of P = 0.017. However, the relationship is classified as weak (correlation coefficient -0.234). The characteristics of the respondents are dominated by ages 20-29 years (62.5%), secondary education (60.6%), work status (97.1%), Javanese ethnicity (47.1%), and Muslim (60.6%). In terms of knowledge, the majority of respondents show inadequate levels of knowledge (43.3%), while for precautions, most respondents have good precautions (65.4%).

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Although there is a low level of knowledge regarding penile cancer, in fact most people continue to take good precautions. This could be caused by the collective awareness that arises from various health programs run by the government and non-governmental organizations. This study highlights the importance of increasing more intensive health education so that people can understand in depth about penile cancer and how to prevent it. In addition, information about risk factors and early symptoms of penile cancer needs to be disseminated so that people do not wait until it's too late to get treatment.

Conclusion

This study reveals a significant relationship between the level of knowledge and measures of preventing penile cancer in the city of Medan, although the relationship is classified as weak. It is essential for people to increase their knowledge of penile cancer so that the precautions taken can be more effective and comprehensive. Continuous health education and better prevention programs are expected to reduce the incidence of future penile cancer.

Recommendations

Based on the results obtained, it is time for the authorities to develop more holistic programs to increase knowledge and increase public awareness related to the importance of penile cancer prevention measures. The community-based approach can be an effective strategy for reaching the community, especially in big cities like Medan.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on developing more effective health education programs that can increase knowledge and awareness about penile cancer. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify the most effective strategies for disseminating information about risk factors and early symptoms of penile cancer.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the use of convenience sampling techniques and the limited sample size. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger and more representative sample of the population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of knowledge in preventing penile cancer. The results show a significant relationship between the level of public knowledge and the prevention of penile cancer, although the relationship is classified as weak. It is essential for people to increase their knowledge of penile cancer so that the precautions taken can be more effective and comprehensive. Continuous health education and better prevention programs are expected to reduce the incidence of future penile cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Penile Cancer and Prevention

Q: What is penile cancer?

A: Penile cancer is a type of cancer that affects the penis. It is a rare disease, but it is more common in developing countries.

Q: What are the risk factors for penile cancer?

A: The risk factors for penile cancer include:

HPV infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause penile cancer.
HIV and AIDS: People with HIV or AIDS are more susceptible to penile cancer.
Uncircumcised penis: Men who are not circumcised are more likely to develop penile cancer.
Phimosis: Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is tight and cannot be retracted.
Smegma: Smegma is a substance that accumulates under the foreskin and can cause penile cancer.
Smoking habits: Smoking is a significant risk factor for penile cancer.
Elderly: Penile cancer is more common in older men.
Social factors: Social factors, such as lack of education and awareness, can contribute to the development of penile cancer.

Q: What are the symptoms of penile cancer?

A: The symptoms of penile cancer can include:

Ulcers or sores: Ulcers or sores on the penis that do not heal.
Redness or swelling: Redness or swelling of the penis.
Pain: Pain in the penis or testicles.
Bleeding: Bleeding from the penis.
Discharge: Discharge from the penis.

Q: How can I prevent penile cancer?

A: You can prevent penile cancer by:

Getting circumcised: Circumcision can reduce the risk of penile cancer.
Practicing safe sex: Practicing safe sex can reduce the risk of HPV infection.
Avoiding smoking: Avoiding smoking can reduce the risk of penile cancer.
Getting regular check-ups: Getting regular check-ups can help detect penile cancer early.
Staying informed: Staying informed about penile cancer and its risk factors can help you take preventive measures.

Q: What are the treatment options for penile cancer?

A: The treatment options for penile cancer include:

Surgery: Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.

Q: Can penile cancer be cured?

A: Penile cancer can be cured if it is detected early and treated promptly. However, the chances of cure decrease if the cancer is not detected early.

Q: How can I get more information about penile cancer?

A: You can get more information about penile cancer from:

Your doctor: Your doctor can provide you with more information about penile cancer and its treatment options.
Online resources: Online resources, such as the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, can provide you with more information about penile cancer.
Support groups: Support groups, such as the Penile Cancer Support Group, can provide you with emotional support and connect you with others who have been affected by penile cancer.

Q: What can I do to support someone who has been diagnosed with penile cancer?

A: You can support someone who has been diagnosed with penile cancer by:

Being there for them: Being there for them and providing emotional support.
Helping them with daily tasks: Helping them with daily tasks, such as cooking and cleaning.
Encouraging them to seek medical attention: Encouraging them to seek medical attention and follow their treatment plan.
Providing information: Providing information about penile cancer and its treatment options.

Q: Can penile cancer be prevented through vaccination?

A: Yes, penile cancer can be prevented through vaccination. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can help prevent HPV infection, which is a risk factor for penile cancer.