William Atkins
Thursday, 04 September 2008 23:10
Science -
Health
Page 2 of 3
The British researchers found, however, that height had less of an impact on the incidence of prostate cancer when compared to other factors such age, race, and family history.
They added that a man’s height is a “modest” indicator for increased risk for prostate cancer, but is "more strongly associated" with a faster progression of the cancer once it has been acquired.
They conclude, according to the abstract to their paper, that,
“These data indicate a limited role for childhood environmental exposures—as indexed by adult height—on prostate cancer incidence, while suggesting a greater role for progression, through mechanisms requiring further investigation.”
A researcher in the study, Luisa Zuccolo (Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol), stated,
“Compared to other risk factors, the magnitude of the additional risk of being taller is small, and we do not believe that it should interfere with preventive or clinical decisions in managing prostate cancer. But the insight arising from this research is of great scientific interest.'’ [The New York Times]
Thus, they contend that their results may underlie a factor in the cause of prostate cancer. Consequently, they urge further research into this link (height and prostate cancer) as to possible causes of the disease.
Page three relates prostate cancer statistics for men in the United States and the United Kingdom, and states where most of the prostate cancer occurs in the world, and the least amount, too.
