IGF1 and cancer: First, growth hormone and IGF-1, which stimulate growth during childhood and adolescence,28 is known to play a significant role in cancer progression by inhibiting apoptosis and stimulating cell proliferation.29 Second, more than 100 genes associated with height are linked to carcinogenesis via the regulation of cell growth, division, differentiation, senescence, and programmed death of the cells.35 Lastly, taller people have larger and longer intestines with a greater number of cells, which might increase CRC risk by increasing chance of cell mutations.36,37