Taller men are more likely to be killed by prostate cancer

BIG men face a greater risk than their shorter counterparts of dying from prostate cancer, research from Oxford University has revealed.

Every extra four inches (10cm) in a man’s height was reflected by a 21 per cent increased risk of developing highgrade tumours – and a 17 per cent rise in the chance of death from the disease, the study showed.

Larger waistbands were also linked to higher rates of death from prostate cancer, and higher rates of the aggressive form of the disease.

Researchers said there were several reasons why taller men might be at greater risk.

Tall men have more cells overall, as well as larger prostate volumes. In addition, the hormones and foods which promote growth in childhood may increase the risk of prostate cancer, the researchers said.

Each year more than 46,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer and around 11,000 die from it.

Dr Aurora Perez-cornago, the lead researcher from Oxford University, said: “The finding of high risk in taller men may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying prostate cancer development, for example related to early nutrition and growth.”

The study found that a healthy body weight reduced the chance of death from prostate cancer. Researchers said obesity might increase the risk because it changes hormone levels within the body which would have an impact

They said it was possible that the disease was more deadly in obese men because it is harder to detect and is often found at a later, less treatable stage.

Each four-inch increase girth was also associated with an 18 per cent increase in the risk of dying from prostate cancer, and a 13 per cent greater chance of having a high-grade disease.

The scientists drew on findings from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (Epic), a large study with 141,896 male participants from eight countries including the UK.

Prostate cancer tumours can be slow growing “pussycats” or aggressive and potentially deadly “tigers”, the report says.

The link with height, reported in the journal BMC Medicine, meant a higher chance of cancers that fell into the “tiger” category, as well as a higher risk of death from prostate cancer overall.

Susannah Brown, senior scientist at the World Cancer Research Fund, said: “This study supports our own research which found an increased risk of prostate cancer in taller men. While we may not be able to change our height, men can take action to help reduce their risk of advanced prostate cancer by being a healthy weight.”