ASK DR TANGO

 Am I more at risk if my relatives have cancer?

Some types of cancer can run in families. For example, your risks of developing certain types of breast, bowel or ovarian cancer are higher if you have close relatives who developed the condition.
However, this doesn’t mean you will get cancer if some of your close family members have it, but that you may have an increased risk of developing certain cancers compared to other people. It’s important to note that only 5-10% of cancers are thought to be caused by an inherited faulty gene.
It is only likely that a cancer gene is present in a family if:

• There are two or more close relatives on the same side of the family (your mother’s or your father’s family) with the same type of cancer or with particular types of cancer that are known to run together, for example breast and ovarian or bowel and womb cancer.
• Cancers are occurring at young ages (before the age of 60).
• If a close relative has had two different types of cancer (not one cancer that has spread).

If some close family members have developed the certain type of cancer mentioned above and you’re worried you might develop cancer yourself, contact your GP. They will ask you questions about your family history and if they think there is a chance that you might have an increased risk of developing cancer, they will refer you to a genetic counsellor, family cancer clinic or a cancer specialist.

Is Your penis the right size and shape?

There’s no such thing as a normal or right-sized penis. Every man’s penis is different, and penises can vary in size and shape.

What’s the average penis size?

The average penis length is:

• about 5-10cm (2.5 to 4 inches) when limp
• about 12-19cm (5 to 7 inches) when erect (hard)

Penises that are smaller when they’re limp grow more when they’re erect, so your penis’ size when limp does not necessarily predict its size when erect.
Many men worry that their penis is too small. However, when you look at your penis from above, it seems smaller than it is because you’re looking down on it. If you’re overweight, your penis may look smaller as some of its base will be hidden by fat around your stomach.
The size of your penis can also be affected by other things. For example, if you’re feeling cold or anxious, it can make your penis temporarily smaller.

Does penis size affect sexual performance?

Some people believe that men with larger penises are more capable of satisfying their partners sexually. However, this is not true. Many factors such as understanding and responding to your partner’s needs and wishes are more important for a fulfilling sex life than the size of any body part.

Is it normal to have a curved penis?

It’s common for the penis to curve slightly upwards or to the left or right when it’s erect.
However, if a bend in your penis is causing you problems, such as pain during sex, or you feel any abnormal lumps in your penis, see your GP or go to a local sexual health or GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic.