The prostate is a male organ located around the urethra in the pelvic region, beneath the bladder. Its function is to produce a fluid that nourishes and helps transport sperm. The prostate tends to enlarge with age, which can obstruct the urethra and lead to difficulties with urination. เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา This condition is common among the elderly but distinct from prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer develops from abnormal cells in the prostate that divide uncontrollably and rapidly. This can cause obstruction of the urinary tract and damage the normal tissues of the prostate. If not detected early, the cancer can spread to other organs.
The exact cause of prostate cancer is unclear. But it is known to be related to factors such as diet, genetics, and ethnicity. Data shows that the incidence of prostate cancer is nearly five times higher in Europe compared to Asia. However, prostate cancer should not be overlooked in Asian countries like Thailand. Where it ranks as the fourth most common cancer among men.
Is Prostate Cancer Dangerous?
Prostate cancer is indeed considered a dangerous condition. Because it is a malignant tumor. If left untreated, it can progress to advanced stages where it spreads to surrounding organs or travels through lymphatic or blood vessels to other parts of the body. For example, if the cancer spreads to the bladder, it may cause blood in the urine, or if it spreads to the bones—its most common site of metastasis—the patient might experience severe bone pain and fractures. In cases where the cancer has spread throughout the body, patients may suffer from severe fatigue, rapid and unexplained weight loss, and ultimately, it can lead to death.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
- Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age.
- Ethnicity: Genetic causes are not fully understood, but African descent individuals have a higher risk of prostate cancer.
- Family History: The likelihood of developing prostate cancer is higher if there is a family history of the disease, especially in close relatives (parents, siblings, or children) who have had prostate cancer or carry genes associated with increased cancer risk (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2).
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese is also considered a risk factor for prostate cancer.