Taller women may have an increased risk of developing cancer, a new study suggests.

The US study focused on women who had already been through the menopause. All were aged between 50 and 79 at the beginning of the study and were followed up over a 12-year period.

Details about the women, such as height, weight and lifestyle factors were recorded.

Over a 12-year period, almost 21,000 of the women were diagnosed with at least one type of invasive cancer.

The study found that the taller a postmenopausal woman was, the bigger her risk of developing cancer. In fact for every 10cm (almost four inches) increase in height, there was a 13% increased risk of developing any kind of cancer.

Nineteen different types of cancer were studies and all appeared to be linked to height, although specific risks differed. For example, For every 10cm increase in height, there was a 13-17% increased risk of developing cancer of the breast, colon or endometrium. However, this risk increased to 23-29% for cancer of the blood, thyroid and kidney.

The results stood even when other factors were taken into account such as age, weight, smoking status and alcohol consumption.

The researchers also took into account the results of certain relevant tests, such as mammograms and smear tests.

"We were surprised at the number of cancer sites that were positively associated with height. In this data set, more cancers are associated with height than were associated with body mass index (BMI).

"Ultimately, cancer is a result of processes having to do with growth, so it makes sense that hormones or other growth factors that influence height may also influence cancer risk," they said.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, Cancer Epidemiology: Biomarkers & Prevention.