Grandfather dies from penile cancer after STI misdiagnosis
A UK grandfather who died from penile cancer hid his symptoms from his family for almost a year after he was initially misdiagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection.
Nigel Smith, 57, lost his battle with cancer in December last year, but his daughter insists his life could have been saved with an earlier diagnosis.
When Mr Smith discovered a small red lump on his penis, he sought medial help from his doctor.
He was referred to a sexual health clinic where medics warned it was likely he had contracted genital warts.
Happily and faithfully married to his wife for 30 years, Mr Smith was shocked at the diagnosis.
He was given medication and advised they would eventually clear up.
But his condition didn't improve, and rather than seek help, Mr Smith hid his symptoms from his wife for 12 months, sleeping in the spare room and blaming his snoring.
When a second tumour appeared, he confided in his wife who urged him to revisit the doctor.
A subsequent biopsy in 2011 revealed he was suffering from stage three penile cancer, a rare disease that commonly affects men aged over 60.
His daughter, Tammy Partridge-Smith, 38, told the Mail Online her father had been left feeling ashamed and embarrassed when doctors said the symptoms suggested a sexually transmitted infection.
She said her father's condition could have been diagnosed much sooner had doctors taken his medical complaint seriously.
"He felt angered, as he had been happily and faithfully married to my mum for more than 30 years," she said.
"He was told that he had a genital wart and was given medication but it had no effect.
"I'm convinced that if his symptoms had been taken more seriously from the start his cancer would have been diagnosed much sooner."
In 2013, Mr Smith underwent a partial penectomy and spent almost two years in temporary remission as he awaited reconstructive surgery.
In September last year, doctors discovered a series of secondary tumours; the cancer had spread to his brain, lungs, adrenal glands, liver and spine.
After his second diagnosis, Mr Smith vowed to complete a bucket list before he died.
Sadly, Mr Smith died before he could tick off every item on the list.
"He always said that he was put on Earth for a reason and if he could help just one person with penile cancer to get a speedier diagnosis then his job was complete," Mrs Partridge-Smith said.
She has continued her father's quest to raise awareness, becoming an ambassador for the UK male cancer charity, Orchid.
"There's nothing more that I want to do than keep my dad's honour and carry on raising awareness," she said.
Penile cancer is a rare condition, often affecting men over the age of 60.
It is a slow growing cancer and if caught early, the chances of survival are around 75 per cent.
You can support the Smith family crusade by visiting their Just Giving page.
Morning news break – May 13
