Taller people have significantly larger risk of cancer, new study reveals

A new Swedish study has revealed that tall people are more likely to develop cancer. The scientists analysed the medical records kept on 5.5 million Swedish men and women born between 1938 and 1991, including height records from the country’s national passport register.

The risk of developing cancer is increased by 10% in men and 18% in women for every 10 cm (4 inches) over 1 m in height.

The said study, which was done among women found out that for each 10 centimeters of height, there is a 13 percent increase of risk in developing a range of different cancers.

Dr Emelie Benyi, said the disease is multifactorial and hence it is not easy to predict which factor or factors impact their results.

After carrying out an extensive study of 5 million people, the researchers are saying that, taller people more likely to get cancer.

Another hypothesis is that tall people have many body cells that could potentially transform into cancer cells.

Being taller is associated with a greater risk of cancer for both men and women, according to new research from Sweden. Researchers kept track of the women over the years and monitored their rate of cancer affliction.

The study found that taller people had a higher risk of breast cancer and skin cancer, among other cancers. When it comes to cancer, however, it turns out that taller people are substantially more likely to suffer from cancer.

Dr. Green said: “Clearly, adult height is not itself a “cause” of cancer, but is thought to be a marker for other factors related to childhood growth”. Since height is an indicator of genetics and what has one been exposed to, the study could shed a few light on our understanding of early life exposures.

But Gapstur, who is vice president of epidemiology at the society, cautioned that these findings only show an association between height and cancer risk. “Bigger people have more cells (not bigger cells)”, she said. However, because the actual science was not presented in great detail, most padded out their copy with speculation about what could cause the link between being tall and cancer. Growth hormone-which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and helps maintain bone and muscle mass-has previously been linked to an increased cancer risk.

Cancer risk increases with height, suggest researchers from Karolinska Institutet and University of Stockholm in Sweden. Another reason may be that taller individuals eat more and previous studies link a high intake of calories to cancer, she said.

Experts discovered the risk increases with every 10cm (3.9in) extra height in both men and women.