Man and the penis cancer: knowledge of the workers from a private university

Objective: to identify the knowledge of the workers from a private university on penis carcinoma. Metodology: this is a quantitative research carried out in a private university of Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil. The sample consisted of 150 employees. The inclusion criteria were being a member of the professional categories administrative assistant, safety agent, general services worker, and gardener, working for more than two years in the institution, and being in the age group from 24 to 56 years. The data collection was carried out on August and September 2009, through interviews, which were analyzed under the light of literature. Results: most of the interviewed ones (97) did not know the penis cancer, as well as they are unaware of the preventive practices. Regarding condom, the majority, 81 (54%), uses it during sexual intercourses. Conclusion: due to this situation, nursing should perform primary prevention activities, considering the complete lack of knowledge from the masculine population with regard to the topic. Descriptors: carcinoma; health promotion; nursing.