Oxford study links waist size and height to prostate cancer risk

A large-scale study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford has identified correlations between height, waist circumference, and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The study tracked 141,896 men across eight European countries over approximately 14 years, recording 7,024 cases of prostate cancer and 934 related deaths.

While height was not linked to the overall risk of developing prostate cancer, researchers found that taller stature is associated with a higher likelihood of high-grade tumors and increased mortality. Specifically, for every 10-centimeter increase in height, the relative risk of high-grade prostate cancer rose by approximately 21%, and the risk of death from the disease increased by about 17%.

Abdominal fat appears to be a more significant factor than height. The study indicated that every 10-centimeter increase in waist circumference was associated with a 13% increase in the risk of high-grade tumors and an 18% increase in the risk of death from prostate cancer. Experts suggest that maintaining a healthy weight, reducing abdominal fat, and engaging in regular physical activity are critical strategies for mitigating these risks.