Posted on 03/04/2022 7:54:49 PM PST by ConservativeMind
A new meta-analysis by researchers adds to evidence that taller adults may be more likely than shorter ones to develop colorectal cancer or colon polyps that can later become malignant. While the association between taller height and colorectal cancer has been previously investigated, the researchers say those studies offered conflicting results, carried inconsistent measures of height and failed to include the risk of adenomas, which are precancerous colon polyps.
"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," says Gerard Mullin, MD. He and his team cautioned that the study does not prove causal effect, or that taller stature is as dominant a risk factor as age or genetics. However, the study strengthens long-observed links between taller stature and colorectal cancer risk.
"One possible reason for this link is that adult height correlates with body organ size. More active proliferation in organs of taller people could increase the possibility of mutations leading to malignant transformation," says Elinor Zhou, M.D., co-first author of the published study report.
Because the definition of tallness is different around the world, the Johns Hopkins team compared the highest versus the lowest height percentile of various study groups. "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," says Mullin.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
If they are taller, they are closer to the sun!
Wow; I feel better, as I keep shrinking in height every few years. I’ve gone from being 6’0” to a smidge shy of 5’10”, while making up for it by increasing in width.
So maybe there’s hope for me.
Re short people matter. Not according to Randy Newman’s song!
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for Dr. and Hospital revenue. Not for patient medicine.
“According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average height in the U.S. for men is 5 feet, 9 inches, and for women it is 5 feet, 4 inches. This means men who are 6 feet, 1 inch and women who are 5 feet, 8 inches (4 inches/10 centimeters above the average U.S. height) or taller are at a 14% increased risk of colorectal cancer and a 6% increased risk of adenomas.”
FWIW, everyone I know who’s had polyps and/or colorectal cancer has been shorter than the above standard for tall.
Not a case in any of the tall folks. And I know a few. :-)
I wonder if they controlled for patients with Marfan syndrome....
Bad results from a Cologard do not occur. Many people die and have lost their colon (end up with a bag) due to bad colonoscopy. And, the prep for a colonoscopy has resulted in endless product liability suits against the mfg. because if you get the prep wrong you lose your kidneys.
I'll stick with the DNA testing.
I wasn’t making fun of Cologuard. Biopsies still need to be taken if something is detected. Getting the prep wrong can happen, plenty of electrolytes need to be replaced. It looks like we’ve both been down this road enough to know what works for us and what doesn’t. I have had Ulcerative Colitis for 28 years, I’m 67 yrs old, had numerous polyps removed, one just recently was pre-cancerous and had to be removed differently, it was a sessile polyp. 10 months ago I had Liver transplant surgery that I had been waiting 4years for.
I think my immune system is trying to kill me🙂.
I didn’t know Cologuard came from Europe, it’s been available for a few years in the US. If my doctor wants me to try it, I will, but for now I will stick with what’s worked for me in the past.
Good health to you. Live long and prosper!🙂🖖
Thanks. With a lot going on, starting with the endoscope is probably best.
Most of my cronies are debating the process in theoretical terms. Cost can be a factor for some. Medicare covers colonoscopy but when there is no insurance it comes to about #12000. The Cologuard is $695. So for our friends with no or bad insurance it can be a choice for that reason also.
Yeah, I hear you. I have supplemental insurance. With Medicare, I don’t have a lot to pay, it’s mostly for my medications. We were concerned as to what my share was going to be for the transplant surgery, but so far, Medicare and my supplemental have picked up pretty much all of it.
It’s too bad These things happen to us, but I thank God every day for this and thank my donor’s family for allowing this to happen.
I totally understand taking the less costly route. Our income is based on SS and our retirement funds. I’m not getting the money I did when I was working.
Since we retired almost two years ago, we haven’t done much, mostly because of COVID so it hasn’t hurt. NOW, however, with the prices of everything going through the roof, we are starting to feel the pinch.
Add to that, our daughter’s getting married next month, so it’s belt tightening time, at least for a while.
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