We review the literature on penis cancer. The disease is rare and most of the cumulative experience is reported in retrospective series. Multi-institutional international collaboration will be needed for prospective studies of certain facets of this disease which are at present controversial. Suggested areas of research are how to treat early invasive tumours, the diagnosis and treatment of inguinal metastases, the improvement of radiotherapy techniques, the development of effective chemotherapy and effective combinations of therapies. This will potentially lead to a more sparing of organs. It is also necessary to study palliation, and aspects of quality of life. The incidence may be further reduced by educating the public about the condition and about genital hygiene, including the necessity for the early treatment of phimosis.