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08.03.2022 / 00:55
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Taller people could be at higher risk for colorectal cancer, study suggests
colorectal cancer, also known as colon or rectal cancer. There are several factors that have been proven to increase a person’s risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer, some of which are unavoidable such as family history. Some modifiable risk factors include an unhealthy diet, not enough exercise, smoking and high alcohol consumption. However, scientists now believe a person’s height is another unavoidable factor that could increase a person’s risk of colon cancer, according to a new study published in the journal American Association for Cancer Research. For the study, researchers observed adults between the ages of 40 and 85 who were undergoing outpatient colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. The individuals had to have no prior history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, collagenous or autoimmune colitis, ischemic bowel and other illnesses that could lead to colon cancer. Researchers found that the individuals who were taller had a 24% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer as opposed to their shorter counterparts. "Every 10-cm increase in height imposed a 14% higher risk of colorectal cancer after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and other known risk factors," study authors wrote. Researchers suggested the reason why taller people may be at higher risk for being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is that they have more body mass, thus have an increased chance of developing a malformation such as a colon adenoma. "More active cell proliferation in organs of taller people could increase the possibility of mutations leading to malignant transformation," the study added. FILE - Colon cancer, tumor on the caecum and ileocolic valve, visualization on a radial CT scan.