Viral carcinogenesis in venereally susceptible organs

Recent findings of viruses in human smegma and semen, and in cancers of the prostate, cervix, and bladder, tend to confirm the author's original concept of a venereally transmitted virus in such cancers. Through a unique demographic opportunity in Brooklyn, a survey of my Caucasian middle class private patients from 1930-41, showed a 1.7% incidence of prostate cancer in the more or less sexually segregated Jews vs. 20% among the largely uncircumcised non-Jews. A later study also showed a lower incidence of bladder and rectal cancers in Jews. Living conditions and hygienic facilities were similar. The involvement of the prostate was the keystone of the concept, since this internal organ is commonly accessible only to ascending venereal infections. Cancers of all organs generally susceptible to VD showed lower incidences in Jews. Their practice of complete circumcision usually protects them from genital cancers, unless they practice sexual promiscuity and acquire venereal infections.