A review of the literature on penis cancer has been undertaken. The disease is rare and most of the cumulative experience is reported in retrospective series. Multi-institutional international collaboration will be needed to study prospectively facets of this disease where controversy presently exists. Suggested areas of research are in the treatment of early invasive tumours, the diagnosis and treatment of inguinal metastases, the improvement of radiotherapy techniques, and the development of effective chemotherapy and effective combinations of therapies. This will potentially lead to a greater degree of organ sparing. Studies of palliation, and aspects of quality of life, are also needed. Public education about the condition and genital hygiene, including the necessity for the early treatment of phimosis, may further reduce the incidence of penis cancer.