What the length of your fingers says about your health

What the length of your fingers says about your healthWhen it comes to health there are many myths that continue to float around (the shoe size and a man’s penis size for starters – sorry that hasn’t been proven!). Although many tall-tales have emerged, when they become backed by science and data they become hard to refute. Case in point – new findings now support finger length being linked with prostate cancer risk.

The theory goes: if a man’s ring finger is longer than his index finger, he has a higher chance of developing prostate cancer. If it seems foolish it’s because the results are not simply that black and white, but conclusions do show that there is a link between finger length and prostate cancer risk.

Link between finger length and risk of prostate cancer

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Link between finger length and risk of prostate cancerA 2011 study analyzed data from 1,500 patients with prostate cancer, along with 3,000 healthy individuals as a control. The study spanned over 15 years. The findings revealed men with a longer index finger compared to their ring finger saw a reduction in their prostate cancer risk by 33 percent.

In alternative research the findings were quite opposite, meaning when the ring finger was longer than the index finger the risk of prostate cancer was higher. So what are we supposed to believe, or are they both just myths?

The common trend between both findings has less to do with which finger length is greater and more to do with genes; HOX genes to be exact.

HOX genes are responsible for the development of the body. In the womb HOX genes guide development of organs like the prostate and kidneys and extremities like your fingers.

Although it is still unclear how HOX genes connect with estrogen and androgen – hormones known to play a part in the development of cancer – it is known that estrogen is linked with the length of the index finger. Translation: a low ratio between the index and ring finger means more estrogen was present prior to birth.

The goal for researchers, then, is to uncover how hormones interact with HOX genes as a means to combat prostate cancer.

How to prevent prostate cancer

How to prevent prostate cancerUntil researchers uncover the connection between hormones and HOX genes, we can look to the length of our fingers for guidance. Until this connection is found there are other tips and preventative measures you can practice to lower your risk of prostate cancer, such as:

  • Eat a low-fat diet.
  • Eat more fat from plants as opposed to animals.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Eat fish.
  • Reduce the amount of dairy you consume on a daily basis.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Know your risk – speak with your doctor to determine other risk factors you may have which increase your risk of prostate cancer, and what you can do to lower your risk.

 

Related Reading:

If you have these symptoms, get your prostate checked

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Gentlemen, if you’ve ever had difficulty urinating, dealing with bladder stones, and falling or staying asleep, among other things, you just might have a problem with your prostate. But the good news is you can do something about it as long as you spot these warning signs right away. Continue reading…

If you’re eating this your prostate is at risk

If you’re concerned about your prostate, your doctor may have already told you about the benefits of broccoli, tomatoes, whole grains and vitamin E. If you’re not concerned, you should be! The Mayo Clinic says 50 percent of men over 60 will develop an enlarged prostate. After 85, this number rises to 95 percent. So odds are you need to take care. Continue reading…
 
 
Sources:
http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/09/myth-or-reality-the-link-between-prostate-cancer-and-finger-length
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/in-depth/prostate-cancer-prevention

Author Bio

Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.

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