We should never underestimate colorectal cancer. In the USA, for instance, this disease represents the third leading cause of death caused by cancers. Although even young adults and teenagers can deal with colorectal cancer, the majority of individuals suffering from the disease are over the age of 50 years old.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine indicates the possibility for tall people to have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to StudyFinds.org.
No causal effect is proven
Gerard Mullin, M.D., and an associate professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology from the Johns Hopkins Medicine, explained as EurekAlert.org quotes:
The findings suggest that, overall, the tallest individuals within the highest percentile of height had a 24% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than the shortest within the lowest percentile. Every 10-centimeter increase (about 4 inches) in height was found to be associated with a 14% increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and 6% increased odds of having adenomas.
But how reliable can the new study be? The same scientist stated the following, according to the same source:
This is the largest study of its kind to date. It builds on evidence that taller height is an overlooked risk factor, and should be considered when evaluating and recommending patients for colorectal cancer screenings.
It’s important to remember that Mullin also said that the study doesn’t prove a causal effect.
For the new study, other researchers were involved as well: Emma Spence, Julia Drewes, Celina Santiago, Linda Hyland, Joell Gills, Julie Nanavati, Cynthia Sears and Francis Giardiello from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; David Cromwell and David Kafonek of Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Green Spring Station; Samara Rifkin from the University of Michigan; and Louis La Luna from Digestive Disease Associates.
