If you sometimes envy the body of the models with their long legs, you may reconsider your opinion. According to new research published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, there is a link between height and risk of cancer. After studying more than 20 women between 50 and 79 years, the researchers found a surprising relationship between postmenopausal women's height and their risk for the disease.
The women were divided into five groups according to their height. The researchers analyzed data for each group and assessed the risks of developing melanoma, breast, ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancer. They found that for every four inches of height, the risk of developing different types of cancer increases by 13%.
All types of cancer tested were positively associated with height. But the study authors warn that the results do not mean that cancer is inevitable for all tall women. • Adult height is determined by both genetics and early life exposures in addition to environmental circumstances. The influence of environmental exposures is evidenced by the secular increase in population height in many countries from the 19th century. Should height therefore not be considered as a risk factor in itself?
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