Importance of Addressing the Psychosocial Impact of Penile Cancer on Patients and Their Families.

Abstract

In this article we review the quality of life and the psychosocial and functional outcomes experienced by patients and their partners following penile cancer diagnosis and treatment. A literature search for primary articles related to patient reported outcomes following penile cancer treatment was conducted using the electronic database PubMed. Penile cancer is a rare malignancy in the United States, and it carries an excellent prognosis if diagnosed early. However, increased survivorship carries devastating long-term consequences on the mental health of patients and their families. Factors impacting the quality of life of patients include sexual dysfunction, cosmetic changes, voiding dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. Treatment modalities vary depending on the extent of the cancer but include medical, interventional, and surgical options. The multidisciplinary team can support patients and their partners to develop, test and deliver posttreatment survivorship interventions to optimize psychosocial well-being and quality of life outcomes for this rare disease.