The Urology Foundation launches bold #NameIt awareness campaign tapping into surprising creativity of men’s nicknames for their penis – from Big Ben to Long Dong Silver
Charity campaign invites men to share the nickname they use for their penis to spark conversations about penile cancer.
New polling of UK men1 for The Urology Foundation, reveals that while around 80% of UK men have a nickname for their penis, only 10% have heard of penile cancer and its symptoms.
The #NameIt campaign aims to tackle this gap by breaking one of the last remaining intimate health taboos and encouraging men to talk more openly about changes to their penis. Greater awareness and earlier conversations can help men recognise potential warning signs sooner, when treatment is most effective.
Experts, patients and their families have been calling for better awareness of penile cancer for many years. This bold campaign leverages new insight to cut through stigma and drive early‑action and awareness around the disease.
Advertising featuring humorous nicknames will appear across outdoor sites, digital platforms and social media throughout March. Each includes links to a campaign site that hosts a practical toolkit with information and advice on what to look for and when to seek medical advice.
Penile cancer is rare but rising, with more than 760 men diagnosed in the UK each year. Most cases are seen in men aged over 50 but an increasing number of younger people are now being diagnosed and should be aware of the signs and symptoms.
England has one of the best pathways for treatment of penile cancer in the world with Supra-network Specialist Centres and Teams. The challenge is encouraging men to be aware of the signs and symptoms and ensuring they have an appropriate, speedy referral.
Rebecca Porta, Chief Executive of The Urology Foundation, said, “Our survey highlights that many men can name and talk humorously about their penis, but far fewer know about penile cancer. Penile cancer is rare, but an early diagnosis can significantly improve patient outcomes. Knowing what is normal for men and acting on changes quickly can make a huge difference. We are choosing to speak openly because this is a little-known cancer that urgently needs to be on people’s radar. We’ve heard from experts, patients and their families for many years about the need for greater awareness of penile cancer and we’re using this campaign to kick-start real conversations among men. We needed a creative idea that cuts through taboo and meets men where they already are; using humour and familiarity to start a conversation about something very serious.”
Professor Asif Muneer MD PhD FRCS(Urol) MBA, Consultant Urological Surgeon, adds: “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.
“While most symptoms won’t be due to cancer, it is important to get to know what’s normal for your penis and speak to a GP or healthcare professional if any changes are noticed or if the changes do not resolve following treatment with topical creams.”
The charity hopes that this bold and creative campaign will grab men’s attention and get the nation talking about penile health, recognise that penile cancer exists and get to know what’s normal for them.
In support of the campaign, BJUI has also launched two free educational modules for healthcare professionals on penile cancer diagnosis and on total penectomy and penis-sparing surgery, providing additional clinical learning resources to sit alongside the awareness initiative.
