While being taller may slightly increase your risk of certain cancers, the impact is minimal compared to other risk factors, says recent researches.
According to the World Cancer Research Fund, taller people have an increased risk of developing several cancers, including those of the pancreas, large bowel, uterus, ovary, prostate, kidney, skin (melanoma), and breast (pre- and post-menopausal). This pattern has been observed across different ethnicities and income levels.
EVIDENCE FROM LARGE STUDIES
The UK Million Women Study found a clear pattern: for 15 out of 17 cancers investigated, taller individuals had a higher likelihood of developing the disease. The study reported that each ten-centimetre increase in height was associated with a 16% increased risk of cancer. For example, women who are 175 cm tall have a slightly higher cancer risk compared to those of average height (165 cm), translating to just seven additional cases per 10,000 women annually.
THEORIES BEHIND THE LINK
More Cells, More Risk
One theory suggests that taller people have more cells in their bodies, which could increase the likelihood of genetic damage and cancer development. Each cell division carries the risk of genetic mutations, and with more cells, there are more opportunities for such mutations to occur.
Role of Growth Hormones
Another theory involves insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone linked to growth and cell division. Elevated levels of IGF-1 might increase the risk of certain cancers, like breast and prostate cancer. However, this connection is not consistently observed across all cancer types.
CHALLENGES IN UNDERSTANDING THE LINK
Organ Size and Cancer
While organ mass might explain the height-cancer relationship for some cancers, it does not account for all cases. Research on this topic has been limited by the available data, suggesting that further studies are needed.
Common Factors
There might be other common factors influencing both height and cancer risk. Identifying these factors could provide a clearer picture of why taller individuals might be more susceptible to cancer.
WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT
Despite the link between height and cancer risk, the overall risk increase is relatively small. There are many effective ways to reduce cancer risk, including:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Not smoking
Engaging in regular cancer screening programs can help detect cancers early, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Screening programs are available for cancers such as breast, cervix, and bowel.
