VIDEO: Height may increase risk for colorectal cancer, adenoma
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In a Healio video exclusive, Gerard Mullin, MD, associate professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at Johns Hopkins University, told Healio that taller adults may have an increased risk for colorectal cancer.
To determine whether adult-attained height associated with risk for CRC or adenoma development, Mullin and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 observational studies involving 280,644 cases of CRC and 14,139 cases of colorectal adenoma. Because the definition of “tallness” is different around the world, the Johns Hopkins team compared the highest vs. lowest height percentile among various study groups.
Compared with the lowest percentile, individuals in the highest percentile of height had a 24% higher risk for developing CRC and every 10 cm increase in height associated with a 14% increased risk for CRC and a 6% increased risk for having adenomas.
“The surprise is the fact that although it's hard to compare apples and oranges, the attained height actually has as much of a risk for developing colorectal cancer and adenomas as if you're a moderate alcohol drinker, cigarette smoker or if you eat red and processed meats,” Mullin concluded.
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