It could be possible, according to a study conducted recently by a team of researchers at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Australia. The puzzling findings of this study can be found in the International Journal of Cancer.

In a review of eight studies conducted for the benefit of cancer research, 5,000 women were involved. Of the study participants, 2,083 had melanoma, a very serious and often deadly form of skin cancer most often associated with sun exposure, pale complexions, and sometimes to rare genetic disorders. Melanoma has become rather prevalent in New Zealand and Australia in recent years.

The tallest 25% of women studied were found to be 30% more prone to cancer than their shorter counterparts. In other studies, breast and colon cancers have been found to be more prevalent in taller women as well.

Several theories have been offered for the increased risk of these cancers for taller women although none of them has yet been proven.

Animal studies suggest an increased risk of cancer when an excess of calories is consumed during adolescence and other growth periods throughout life. Or hormones may be the culprit. It’s even suggested that taller women might enjoy time in the sun more often than shorter women.

In addition to the height factor, weight gain of as little as four pounds, was found to increase risk of melanoma by about 50%, suggesting a link to hormone metabolism caused by gaining weight.

While no conclusions have been drawn as to the reason why the taller women seem to be more at risk of cancer, the study suggests the need for similar studies to identify any links between cancer and the body size of men.

Source: International Journal of Cancer