Taller people are at greater risk of developing cancer, new research finds

Recent research indicates that taller individuals are at a slightly increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

The World Cancer Research Fund has identified that taller people have a higher likelihood of cancers such as those of the pancreas, large bowel, uterus, ovary, prostate, kidney, skin (melanoma), and breast.

The UK Million Women Study found that with every 10 cm increase in height, the risk of cancer rises by about 16%. However, this increase is relatively minor; for instance, if 45 out of every 10,000 women of average height develop cancer annually, this number rises to 52 for women who are 10 cm taller.

Two main theories explain this phenomenon: First, taller individuals have more cells, which increases the chance of mutations leading to cancer. Second, a growth hormone known as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which contributes to height, may also increase cancer risk.

Despite this small increase in risk, experts emphasize that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking, has a far more significant impact on reducing cancer risk than height alone. Additionally, taller individuals may have a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.