Are Taller People More Prone to Cancer? Unveiling the Research

Recently, there has been a great discussion about obesity increasing the risk of your cancer. This is true, and your weight can induce around ten different cancer types. What is less known is there is another aspect that can increase your cancer risk, and that is your height. 

For their Global Cancer Update Programme, the World Cancer Research Fund International keeps analyzing the link between weight, diet, physical activity, and stages of cancer development. According to this analysis, there is more robust evidence to prove that the higher your height is, the more the chances of you suffering from cancer. 

In specific, for an extra five cm of your height, you increase your risk of developing cancers of: 

• Kidneys w
• Breast (pre and post menopause) 
• Ovarian
• Pancreatic
• Prostate
• Colorectal 

Unlike being overweight, once you have attained your desired height, it is difficult for you to do anything about it. The increase in associated risks of developing cancer is visible in taller people for different cancer types and across different populations and age groups. However, one of the primary mechanisms involved throughout the growth stages must be highlighted more keenly. You must keep everything the same once you attain your final height. Hence, it is essential to understand how a baby is nurtured throughout its developmental phases. 

Your Height Is a Marker Representing Your Growth Process 

One of the most preliminary things for you to remember is that it is not just your height from head to toe that determines your risk of cancer. It is the process through which your height grows. 

Genes and other modifiable factors like growth hormones, insulin, and sex hormones influence this process. This occurs throughout all three life phases- womb, childhood, and adolescence. 

So, your height is just one of those few markers of the entire set of events responsible for the progression of the stages of cancer development. 

How is Your Height Determined?

Generally, people attain their maximum height by the age of 20 years. How tall you grow depends on your genes and the quality and quantity of nutrition you consume. 

With the rising population since the 19th century, the quality of hygiene and nutrition improved significantly. This significant improvement contributed to the increase in the height of the population. 

Infants' growth can be accelerated with formula milk and high protein mixes. Children who are heavier in weight show faster growth and become taller over time. Likewise, they attain their developmental milestones earlier than others. 

People in countries with more high-income populations tend to be relatively tall and overweight. All these processes are related to the nutrition they receive during their developmental phases, resulting in altered hormone levels. 

Such hormones influence people's visible structure, the pattern of growth, and the behaviour of their body cells. 

Is the Risk of Being Tall and Increasing Cancer Chances Higher?

According to studies, the correlation between being tall and stages of cancer development alone is less. However, other factors triggering the cancerous growth should be promptly studied. 

Several studies establish a link between lofty stature and stages of cancer development. There is research evidence suggesting every ten cm increase in height increases the chances of cancer by 10 per cent. Scientists have justified this with a lot of explanations linking several growth hormones contributing to triggering cancer development in taller people. 

Reducing cancer risk, adopting a healthier lifestyle, maintaining a balanced diet, and limiting the consumption of processed foods and meats are good at reducing your risk of developing cancer. Regular exercising with at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week is a prerequisite. Avoid your indulgence in smoking and alcohol consumption, as both are the triggers of cancer development.  

Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure, and apply sunscreens frequently. Stay up-to-date with your medical routine, screenings, and breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer vaccinations. Maintaining a healthy weight and effectively managing stress with relaxation techniques are good routines. 

Takeaway 

It is essential to know that being tall is not the only cause of cancer. Being tall could help you prevent other diseases such as diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Thus, it becomes essential to conduct further research to help your doctor identify the processes and triggers for different stages of cancer development. This is also a boon for worldwide policymakers when defining child growth standards.