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The secret of age and gender: Why are men and older people more likely to develop multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer that arises from stromal cells, the same cells that are normally responsible for producing antibodies. Although symptoms are not easy to detect in the early stages, as the disease progresses, patients may experience problems such as bone pain, anemia, renal insufficiency and infection. Although the cause of multiple myeloma is not known, certain risk factors such as obesity, radiation exposure, family history, age, and exposure to certain chemicals are thought to increase the risk.
In the United States, projections indicate that approximately 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2023, and approximately 12,000 people will die from the disease.
The impact of age and gender
The incidence of multiple myeloma increases with age, usually occurring in people over 60 years old, and is significantly more common in men than in women. According to reports, approximately 175,000 people were diagnosed with the disease worldwide in 2020, and many of them were concentrated in the elderly.
In many cases, the weakening of the immune system and the increased incidence of genetic mutations in older people may explain why they are more susceptible to multiple myeloma.
Reasons for gender differences
Studies have found that men are about twice as likely as women to develop multiple myeloma. This may be related to men's lifestyle, environmental exposures, and hormonal differences. Some studies suggest that lower estrogen levels in men may make them more vulnerable to certain toxins and increase their risk of cancer.
Occupation-related risks
Certain occupations, such as firefighters, agricultural workers, and industrial workers, are often exposed to harmful chemicals in their work environment, which may also affect the development of multiple myeloma. The exposure risk for this type of workers is significantly higher than that for workers in other occupations, and workers exposed to aromatic compound solvents are more likely to develop the disease.
Conclusion Although the exact cause of multiple myeloma is still under investigation, age and gender have a significant impact, and both physiological and environmental factors can contribute to the development of the disease. As men age and face risks in their careers, we should pay more attention to these high-risk groups. Do your lifestyle and environment have long-term effects on your health?Studies suggest that certain occupational groups may have an increased risk of multiple myeloma, which may be related to the harmful chemicals they are exposed to.
