Can a person’s height increase their risk of cancer? Here’s what the research reveals

Cancer Cases have been on the rise for multiple reasons, but did you know that there is an association between cancer and height? According to the World Cancer Research Fund, there is a connection between height and the chances of developing cancer. According to research, a person’s height is more likely to develop cancer of the pancreas, large intestine, ovaries, uterus (endometrium), prostate, kidney, skin (melanoma), and breast (before and after menopause).

But how can a person’s height trigger cancerous growth?

There are several theories about this. The first theory is that taller people have more cells and cancer occurs due to the accumulation of damage to genes that occurs primarily when cells divide. The more cells divide, the more damage accumulates and as a result, cancer risk increases. In addition, the theory supports some studies that say that men have a higher risk of developing cancer than women, since, on average, they are taller than women.

The study also found that those with higher levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) have a higher risk of developing breast cancer or Prostate cancer.

According to studies, the correlation between cancer and height exists, but it is weaker. Therefore, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk of cancer.

How to reduce the risk of cancer?

Numerous research and studies have revealed several ways to reduce the risk of cancer, including:

Maintain a healthy diet

– Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables: A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.

– Limit red and processed meats: High consumption of red meat (such as beef, pork and lamb) and processed meats (such as sausages and hot dogs) has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

– Choose whole grains instead of refined grains: Whole grains (such as brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-wheat bread) are high in fiber, which may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

– Reduce sugar and salt consumption: High sugar and salt consumption can cause obesity and hypertension, respectively, both risk factors for certain types of cancer.

Maintain a healthy weight

– Avoid obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, endometrium, kidney and esophageal cancer. Try to maintain a healthy body weight by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

– Stay physically active: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and may reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises.

Avoid tobacco use

– Quit smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and is associated with many other cancers, including mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidney cancers. Quitting smoking at any age can significantly reduce your risk of cancer.

– Avoid secondhand smoke: Exposure to secondhand smoke also increases the risk of lung cancer, even among nonsmokers.

Limit alcohol consumption

– Reduce alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including mouth, throat, esophageal, liver, breast and colon cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men can reduce this risk.