How your HEIGHT could predict your risk of cancer

October 3, 2015  10:49

Tall people are at greater risk of getting cancer, according to a new study.

Being just four inches taller than average could increase the chance of some cancers by up to 30 per cent, say researchers.

For each extra 10cm (3.9in), a women’s overall risk of cancer increased by 18 per cent, the scientists found. 

For men, it was 11 per cent.

The study, conducted by Sweden’s Karolinska Institute and thought to be the biggest of its kind, looked at data from 5.5 million Swedish men and women born between 1938 and 1991. 

Skin cancer is most strongly linked to height, with the risk increasing by 30 per cent for each extra 10cm.

For breast cancer, each extra 10cm increased the risk by 20 per cent. 

For example, a woman of average height in Sweden – 170cm (5ft 6in) – has a 10 per cent chance of getting breast cancer, meaning that one in 10 will get the disease. 

Every 10cm above average height increased the risk by 20 per cent, putting a woman 10cm taller than average at a 12 per cent risk of developing the disease.

The average male height in Sweden is 5ft 10.8in, 180cm, slightly taller than the average Briton at 5ft 9in. The average height of a British woman is 5ft 5in (164cm).

It is not known why taller people are more prone to cancer.

One theory is that they are exposed to higher levels of growth hormones during childhood and adolescence, which could increase the chances of cancer cells developing.

Another is that taller people simply have a larger number of cells in their bodies which could potentially transform into cancer.

A third possible explanation is that taller individuals have a higher calorie intake, which has also previously been linked to cancer.

Critics point out that height is just one factor – and one the individual can do little about – unlike, for instance, limiting sun exposure or wearing sunscreen to prevent skin cancer.

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