Being tall has its advantages and disadvantages. A recent study has discovered that taller people are at a higher risk of cancer as compared to shorter individuals. Does this mean then that all tall people are prone to develop one form of cancer or another?
According to NDTV, while previous studies have shown that the taller person is less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, a newer study found that taker people are at a higher risk of developing cancer.
The acclaimed doctors from the Harvard School of Public Health, University of Tübingen and the German Institute of Human Nutrition in Potsdam, attributed this latest finding to too much intake of foods that are rich in animal protein, and are considered as high-calorie foods. Basic knowledge dictates that protein is the primary nutrient that helps in the growth of individuals during puberty, and even up to the age where growth has completely stopped.
Professor Matthias Schulze, the lead researcher from the German Institute of Human Nutrition in Potsdam said that, "Epidemiological data show that per 6.5cm in height the risk of cardiovascular mortality decreases by six per cent." However, he also emphasized that, "... cancer mortality, by contrast, increases by four per cent."
Daily Mail reported that Professor Norbert Stefan, another researcher added, "Accordingly, our new data show that tall people are more sensitive to insulin and have lower fat content in the liver, which may explain their lower risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes."
Some types of cancers mentioned by the researchers that pose an increased risk to taller people include breast cancer and colon cancer. Since there is a permanent activation in cell growth, they are also at risk of melanoma.
For medical practitioners, it is imperative that the height factor must be considered in treating patients. There must be an added awareness that taller people have a higher risk of developing cancer.
