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The carcinogenicity of smegma: debunking a myth

2006; Wiley; Volume: 20; Issue: 9 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01653.x

1468-3083

RS Van Howe, Hodges Fm,

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues

Abstract Background Smegma is widely believed to cause penile, cervical and prostate cancer. This nearly ubiquitous myth continues to permeate the medical literature despite a lack of valid supportive evidence. Methods A historical perspective of medical ideas pertaining to smegma is provided, and the original studies in both animals and humans are reanalysed using the appropriate statistical methods. Results Evidence supporting the role of smegma as a carcinogen is found wanting. Conclusions Assertions that smegma is carcinogenic cannot be justified on scientific grounds.