Tall People at Increased Risk of Developing Cancer

A new study published in the journal, The Lancet Oncology, reveals that taller people are at greater risk of developing cancer compared to those who are shorter or of average height. The study was conducted by researchers at University of Oxford who claim that the chemicals responsible for growth can also play a role in the growth of tumors. The researchers suggest that an increase in height of every four inches above five feet increases the risk of cancer by 16 percent.

The researchers observed over 1.3 million middle aged women in Britain during 1996 and 2001and were able to link around 10 types of cancers, including breast, colon, rectal, kidney, uterus, ovarian, lymphoma, malignant melanoma, leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with increase in height.

Speaking to the BBC, lead researcher Dr Jane Green said, “Obviously height itself cannot affect cancer, but it may be a marker for something else”, though she admitted that her team was unable to find the exact reason how height increases cancer risk.


Source-Medindia