The possible role of smegma in carcinoma of the cervix

A Study of the Aetiology of Carcinoma of the Cervix Uteri

“…The present evidence that it is less common when obstructive methods of contraception are used agrees with the findings of Stern and Dixon (1961) and is consistent with the husband's penile hygiene being a factor. In this respect it may also be relevant that experiments have shown that smegma may be carcinogenic in animals (Plant and Kohn-Speyer, 1947;Pratt-Thomas et al, 1956;Heins, Dennis and Pratt-Thomas, 1958).…”

Penile cancer

“…Early circumcision obviates, especially in the presence of poor genital hygiene, the collection of smegma under the foreskin. Smegma, the product of bacterial degradation of exfoliated preputial cells, 114 has been proved to be carcinogenic in animals [115][116][117] and may cause chronic inflammation and recurrent infections that lead to preputial adhesions and phimosis. 70,118 Chronic balanitis.…”

Carcinoma of the Cervix

“…When the experiment was repeated, however, carcinoma occurred in only 1 of 25 mice. 18 The results of the present study suggest that lack of circumcision of marital partners may be an important factor in carcinoma of the cervix. If this proves to be true, it would point to some component of smegma as the carcinogenic agent.…”