The idea that circumcision protects against cancer of the penis may
have originated with Abraham L. Wolbarst.(1) A member of the American
Society of Sanitary and Moral Prophylaxis, Wolbarst argued that adult
masturbators should be sterilized and forbidden to marry.(2) He also
believed that circumcision protects against epilepsy.(3)
The American Cancer Society advises that circumcision is not of value
in preventing cancer of the penis.
(1) Wolbarst A. Circumcision and penile cancer. Lancet 1932;1:150-3.
(2) Wolbarst A. Persistent masturbation. JAMA 1932;90:154-5.
(3) Wolbarst A. Universal circumcision as a sanitary measure. JAMA
1914;62:92-7.
Rapid Response:
Re: More of the One-sided picture
The idea that circumcision protects against cancer of the penis may
have originated with Abraham L. Wolbarst.(1) A member of the American
Society of Sanitary and Moral Prophylaxis, Wolbarst argued that adult
masturbators should be sterilized and forbidden to marry.(2) He also
believed that circumcision protects against epilepsy.(3)
The American Cancer Society advises that circumcision is not of value
in preventing cancer of the penis.
(1) Wolbarst A. Circumcision and penile cancer. Lancet 1932;1:150-3.
(2) Wolbarst A. Persistent masturbation. JAMA 1932;90:154-5.
(3) Wolbarst A. Universal circumcision as a sanitary measure. JAMA
1914;62:92-7.
(4)
http://www.cirp.org/library/disease/cancer/vanhowe1/
Competing interests: No competing interests