Recent studies have shown that a person’s feet size could be a predictor of a lot of health issues including gut cancer.

It is a fact that the relationship between body shape, size, and weight to overall health and wellbeing has always been a topic of interest for medical researchers and the general public alike. However, the correlation between the size of one’s feet and the risk of developing different types of cancer, especially gut cancer, is an area that’s currently being investigated.

What is Gut Cancer?

Gut cancer is a type of cancer that consists of malignancies in the digestive system, stomach, colon and rectum. It’s one of the most common types of cancer that affects humans, with over 1.8 million people being diagnosed with it in 2018 alone.

Gut cancer develops gradually over time and its earliest symptoms are often quite subtle, meaning that it’s typically not detected until it has progressed to advanced stages, making it harder to cure.

The Correlation Between Feet Size and Gut Cancer

While the root causes of gut cancer are still unknown, medical research has recently revealed that there might be a correlation between a person’s shoe size and their risk of developing this type of cancer.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, it was found that men with larger feet (size 10 and above) were at a higher risk of developing gut cancer than those with smaller feet.

The study, which was conducted over a period of three years, analyzed the medical records of 1,500 men. The analysis revealed that men with larger feet had a 30% higher risk of developing gut cancer than those with smaller feet.

The study also found that the risk was even higher in men who had a family history of gut cancer. Women were not studied in this research.

Why would foot size effect Gut Cancer?

Scientists still have yet to understand exactly why a person’s foot size might be linked to gut cancer.

However, it is believed that the cause could be related to the growth hormones that are produced by the pituitary gland located in the brain that controls bone growth, development, and repair. It is believed that these growth hormones could play a role in the development of cancer cells by encouraging the growth of tumors.

It is also thought that there could be other yet undiscovered factors at play, such as the impact that foot size has on a person’s posture, which can in turn impact the internal organs, including the digestive system and gut.

Until further research is conducted, scientists will continue to study this link and work towards unraveling the root causes associated with the correlation.

What to Do About It?

While there might be a correlation between foot size and gut cancer, it is important to note that this correlation does not mean that having large feet alone guarantees that a person will develop gut cancer.

Genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, age, and overall health all play a role in determining an individual’s risk of developing cancer.

That being said, it is always a good idea to take proactive steps in your overall health to lessen your risk of developing health issues like cancer.

A healthy lifestyle involving regular exercise and a balanced diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can go a long way in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing your risk of developing diseases, including gut cancer. It is also recommended that individuals with a family history of gut cancer get screened regularly and maintain good communication with their primary healthcare provider, as early detection is key.

The Bottom Line

While there may be a correlation between foot size and gut cancer, it is important to note that this correlation isn’t a direct causation.

It’s still a very new area of study with limitations and uncertainties; however, as medical research continues to explore this link, we may be able to learn more about the safeguards to prevent the risk of gut cancer.