Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, with an estimated 248,530 new cases diagnosed in the United States in 2021.

While there are many factors that can increase the risk of prostate cancer, including age, family history, and genetics, recent studies have focused on the potential link between height and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

What is Aggressive Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is classified as either localized or advanced. Localized prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland and has not spread to other parts of the body.

Advanced prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, or liver.

Aggressive prostate cancer is a subtype of advanced prostate cancer that grows and spreads quickly. It is often diagnosed in younger men and has a higher risk of recurrence after treatment.

Aggressive prostate cancer is also more likely to cause symptoms, such as trouble urinating, pain in the pelvic area, or bone pain.

What Does Height Have to Do With Prostate Cancer?

Researchers have long been interested in the relationship between height and cancer risk. Studies have shown that taller individuals have a higher risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, colon, and prostate cancers.

One theory is that tall individuals have more cells in their bodies, and therefore, a greater chance of mutations occurring in those cells that could lead to cancer.

Another theory is that growth hormones, which stimulate cell growth and replication, may play a role in cancer development.

Height and Aggressive Prostate Cancer Studies

Several recent studies have looked at the potential link between height and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer specifically.

One study, published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, analyzed data from more than 140,000 men and found that taller men had a higher risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer (cancer that grows and spreads quickly) and dying from the disease. The researchers also found that the risk increased by 21% for every 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) of height.

Another study, published in the journal BMC Medicine, analyzed data from more than 220,000 men and found that taller men had a higher risk of developing advanced prostate cancer and dying from the disease.

The researchers found that the risk increased by 43% for every 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) of height.

While these studies suggest a potential link between height and aggressive prostate cancer, it is important to note that they do not prove causation. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between height and prostate cancer risk.

Other Factors That Increase Prostate Cancer Risk

Height is just one of many factors that can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Other factors include:.

Age: Prostate cancer is rare in men under the age of 50, but the risk increases significantly after age 50. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.
Family history: Men with a family history of prostate cancer, especially if it was a close relative like a father or brother, have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.
Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in men of other races. It is also more likely to be aggressive and advanced at the time of diagnosis in this population.
Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats, saturated fat, and calcium may increase the risk of prostate cancer. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lower the risk.
Obesity: Obese men have a higher risk of developing advanced prostate cancer and dying from the disease.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Prostate Cancer Risk?

While there is no surefire way to prevent prostate cancer, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:.

Get regular checkups: Talk to your doctor about whether you should get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE) to screen for prostate cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight, losing weight through diet and exercise can lower your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in red and processed meats, saturated fat, and calcium may lower your risk of prostate cancer.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can lower your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Quit smoking: Smoking is linked to several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Quitting smoking can lower your overall cancer risk.

Conclusion

While the link between height and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer is still being studied, it is important for all men to talk to their doctors about their prostate cancer risk and whether screening is necessary.

Taking steps to maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking can also lower your risk of developing prostate cancer and other types of cancer.