Are Animals Threatened by Cancer?

We know that cancer is one of the most widespread diseases in humans, causing many deaths and health issues worldwide. However, I have always wondered if animals had the same problem with cancer. Well, it seems that wildlife animals are threatened by cancer, according to a new study published by the prestigious science journal Nature Reviews Cancer.

The new study is filled with plenty of cases of animals having different types of cancer but what is really interesting is the fact that some species are being threatened to disappear because of cancer. Take the Tasmanian devil (the real one not the cartoon). It has developed a cancer known as devil facial tumor disease. This type of cancer is spread by simple contact among these animals. The study claims that the whole specie is on the brink of extinction because of this type of cancer.

Also, the study reports a case study on the beluga whales. These whales suffer from intestinal cancer and in certain ecosystems this type of cancer is threatening the specie to disappear. Fish, especially living in high polluted rivers and lakes are also having many types of cancer.

Cancer induced by viruses seems to be on the rise according to the study. In fact, green sea turtles suffer from a special type of cancer known as fibropapillomatosis, which involves skin and organ tumors. Sea lions of certain parts of North America are having higher rates of genital cancer than other sea lions in other parts of the world revealing a possible effect of environmental conditions (presence of pollutants). Dolphins are also suffering threats by genital tumors and cancer.

In addition to direct human threats, such as hunting and fishing, wildlife species are facing a threat derived form different type of cancers. It is clear, according to the authors, that in addition to natural occurring cases of cancer in wildlife animals, indirect human incidence (pollution) is having a big impact of cancer development on wild species. The study, directed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) may enlighten us in what are we doing to the whole earth ecosystem in terms of increasing the risks of developing different types of cancers not only in humans but in wildlife animals too.

Source:Wildlife cancer: a conservation perspective