Cancer and wildlife conservation

Spectrum | 25.08.2009 | 17:30

Cancer and wildlife conservation

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Some myths die hard. One common misconception is, for instance, that sharks do not get cancer. This is why they are being slaughtered by the thousands. Their cartilage is then ground into powder and sold with dubious health claims.

But sharks do get cancer, and so do many other animals. Two researchers at the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York have found out that the cancer rate in the animal kingdom is about the same as in people: More than ten percent die from malignant tumors. And more often than not – humans are to blame.

Madeleine Amberger reports.

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