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A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B on Wednesday reports that tall people are more likely to get cancer than shorter people simply because they have more cells. Cancer occurs when the cells of our body, which replicate constantly, begin to replicate erroneously due to a gene malfunction. These mutations are more likely with more cells, according to author Leonard Nunney. “Whether that comes from a better diet or the fact that your parents happen to be tall doesn’t matter … it is purely a number of cells, however that comes about,” he told The Guardian. In particular, skin cancer was highly correlated with height. Other researchers said that while the connection between height and cancer needs to be investigated more, it’s a reasonable theory. And all hope is not lost for tall people: Lifestyle choices can still go a long way in preventing cancer for any one, short or tall.