We show that if $K\ge1$ is a parameter and $S$ is a finite symmetric subset of a group containing the identity such $|S^{2n}|\le K|S^n|$ for some integer $n\ge2K^2$, then $|S^{3n}|\le\exp(\exp(O(K^2)))|S^n|$. Such a result was previously known only under the stronger assumption that $|S^{2n+1}|\le K|S^n|$. We prove similar results for locally compact groups and vertex-transitive graphs. We indicate some results in the structure theory of vertex-transitive graphs of polynomial growth whose hypotheses can be weakened as a result.