Men’s Health Program series: (Check Your Tackle)

Wayne Earle

My name is Wayne Earle and I am a 57-year-old male Penile Cancer survivor. In early August 2013, I was referred to a dermatologist for this lesion which had spread beyond my GP’s control as he believed it to be skin cancer. In this same period, I also developed a small lesion on the base of my penis. Over the next 8 months I visited the local doctor and dermatologist on six more times regarding the “wart” on my penis, during the 6th visit a biopsy was taken and then in April 2014, I was finally diagnosed with Bowens Disease, with invasive SCC. In short, it was penile cancer. I underwent a radical penectomy in June 2014 to remove the tumour from my body. A penectomy is the full amputation of the penis at the base and I had to have a perineal urethrostomy, In August 2014, I had further complications and had to have a bilateral modified inguinal lymph node dissection. Since this time, I have been diagnosed with Stage 2 Lymphoedema. In 2016, I founded the charity checkyourtackle, advocating for cancer awareness and support, particularly for rare male cancers, including Penile cancer as there is very little information regarding this kind of intimate cancers, despite affecting hundreds to thousands of men and their families every year. checkyourtackle aim to do is to help raise awareness, as well as promote heightened support and networking. Most importantly, we want to remove the stigma surrounding this topic. We want to remove the taboo of a topic that should be just a regular to talk about as other cancers, like skin or female breast. I also serve as group admin for the Penile Cancer Facebook group, which has over 600 members worldwide. I also serve as an advocate and group support leader for Cancer Council NSW.