Back when he was 26 years old, Hamill noticed something unusual and concerning. The head of his penis had swollen dramatically, reaching around four times its normal size, which prompted him to visit a doctor.
A month later, things took a worrying turn when he noticed a strong and unusual odor coming from the same area. “I would describe this smell as death. The smell followed me round and it was awful and other people could smell it,” he explained.
According to Macmillan Cancer Support, around 700 men in the UK are diagnosed with penile cancer each year. In the US, the American Cancer Society reports that it remains rare, with fewer than one case per 100,000 men, though around 2,260 new cases are expected in 2026.
“I was really lucky that I was well endowed”
Hamill only discovered the severity of his condition after a serious incident. His brother found him unconscious in his car, surrounded by blood, and rushed him to the hospital.
From there, he was transferred to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, where specialists were able to properly assess his condition. It was in April 2019 that he finally received a diagnosis of penile cancer.
To treat the disease, he underwent a circumcision and surgery to remove a large portion of his penis. After months of treatment, he was eventually given the all-clear just three months later.
“It’s never been an issue with anyone I’ve dated but it’s more me adapting and learning new things.”
He explained that it has been a process of learning and adapting, especially when it comes to understanding how his body now works after the surgery.
“Don’t leave it too late”
Now several years on from his diagnosis and treatment, Hamill is in remission and continues to share his story. He has reached the age of 33 and has also become a father.
“I was told I would never have kids because the surgery happened on my urethra, and I now have a four-year-old boy,” he said, speaking about how his situation turned out differently from what he was first told.
“Everything is still functional and I can still have kids.”
He explained that it took years for him to come to terms with the changes and rebuild his confidence, but he continues to work through it over time.
His story highlights how important it is to trust your instincts when something feels wrong and to push for further medical attention if needed.
What are the symptoms of penile cancer?
Health guidance from the NHS explains that most cases of penile cancer affect the foreskin or the head of the penis. These are the areas where changes are most often first noticed.
Common signs can include changes that do not go away over time, which is why it is important to monitor symptoms closely and seek help if anything seems unusual.
The most common symptoms of penile cancer include:
- A growth, lump or sore that does not heal within four weeks
- A rash
- Bleeding
- Smelly discharge
- Having difficulty pulling back your foreskin
- Unexplained skin color changes
Meanwhile, other symptoms can include:
- Lump in the groin
- Tiredness
- Pain in the tummy
- Losing weight without trying
