“This process is influenced not only by their genes, but also by modifiable developmental factors (eg. growth factors such as insulin, insulin-like growth factor, growth hormone, and sex hormones such as oestrogens) in the womb, and during childhood and adolescence.
“So height should be thought of only as a marker, or indicator, of the whole series of events and experiences from conception to adulthood – and it is identifying what aspect or aspects of this process influences cancer risk that is important.”
Factors that determine height
While height is influenced by genetics, nutrition also plays a role.
“We know that people grow to their maximum height around the age of 20, and that how tall a person grows is influenced in part by their genes as well as the nutritional quality and quantity of the food they receive in their growth and development phase,” Ms Brown said.
READ MORE: The two Covid strains ‘most likely to take over’ in the UK – ‘top’ symptoms to look for
