
Many studies have found that taller women have an increased risk of breast cancer. One pooled analysis of seven prospective studies found that women over 5'3" have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than women under 5'3" [131]. One reason for this may be the growth spurt that tall women can have in their youth. Such growth spurts can create a chance for damage to occur in breast cells that can lead to cancer later in life.
Updated 08/14/08