Measurements

We will take your blood pressure and pulse rate, which are important indicators of the health of your heart and blood vessels.

We will also measure your standing height. We will ask you to take off your shoes, stand as tall as possible and look straight ahead. This will give the most accurate measurement.

Sitting height tells us how long your legs are in relation to your overall height, which in turn tells us something about the way you grew as a child. This can influence health in adult life.

Grip strength gives a very general indication of your overall health and well-being. We measure grip strength by asking you to squeeze a device called a dynamometer as hard as you can.

Bone density is measured through a heel bone ultrasound, which gives an indication of the strength of your bones. You will be asked to take off your shoes and socks while we take this measurement.

Body fat is measured because we know that being overweight and having a higher-than-average percentage of body fat can increase the risk of some cancers. It is measured on equipment that passes a small, harmless painless current through your body. The equipment also gives us your weight.

Hip and waist circumference is measured because we know that the risk for diseases such as heart disease and diabetes is greater for people who carry their fat around their middle rather than around their hips. We don’t know if this makes a difference for the risk of cancer. We hope this study will help us find out.