Despite living for more than 150 years, turtles rarely suffer from cancer

Giant turtles can weigh hundreds of kilograms and live longer than 150 years, which should make cancer inevitable.

However, new research shows that these ancient reptiles develop cancer at extremely low rates, with only 1% of individuals affected compared to higher rates in mammals and birds. These discoveries can unlock the secrets of preventing human cancer.

The study, published in Bioscience, analyzes medical records and necrotics from hundreds of zoo turtles in the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe. The study, led by Dr. Ylenia Chiari from the University of Nottingham, provides the strongest evidence that anticancer properties are a defining feature of turtle biology.

Paradox of Defying Cancer Size

Large long-lived animals usually face higher cancer risks, as more cells create more opportunities for dangerous mutations. This relationship is true in most species – except that turtles seem to have solved this biological puzzle.

Tortoise Burt, born in 1945, reflects this phenomenon. Burt is now close to 80 years old, with a potential of 100 years old, representing countless generations of turtles that have developed extraordinary anti-cancer mechanisms.

The research team examined not only the incidence of cancer, but also the behavior. When tumors do occur in sea turtles, they almost never metastasize or spread to other organs, which is in stark contrast to the cancer progression in mammals.

Clues from ancient survivors

Scientists suspect that turtle resistance comes from a variety of biological advantages:

• Powerful cell repair system that prevents the accumulation of DNA damage
• Slower metabolism reduces oxidative stress on cells
• Unique genetic variants that actively inhibit tumor formation
• Enhanced immune surveillance early detection of abnormal cells

As sea turtles survive mass extinctions that eliminate countless other species, these mechanisms may develop within millions of years. Their biological solutions to aging and cancer are natural laboratories that understand disease resistance.

Zoo science launches discovery

“Tortoises, especially iconic species such as the Galapagos and the Aldabra giant turtle, are known for their longevity and grow to huge sizes,” explains Dr. Chiari. “You hope this means more cancers, but our study combines decades of zoo records with previous studies showing how rare rare cancers these animals are among these animals.”

This study has only been documented for decades in zoos around the globe. Dr. Helena Turner of Chester Zoo highlights this collaborative approach: “This study emphasizes the great value of zoo-based science. At Chester Zoo, we have long been committed to detailed health monitoring and long-term care of animals.”

Dr. Scott Glaberman, co-author of the University of Birmingham, adds a broader context: “Biodiversity has a lot to teach us about how the world works. Despite being fascinated by its own rights, extreme species like giant tortoises may have addressed many of the problems facing humans, including those related to aging and cancer.”

Protection and medical contact

The timing of this discovery brings urgency. Many turtle species face extinction due to climate change, habitat loss and illicit trafficking. Several species studied are classified as endangered or severely endangered species, making their conservation both an environment and a potential medical order.

Understanding the anti-cancer properties of turtles can provide a basis for human medicine, especially for age-related diseases. If scientists can identify specific genes and pathways that protect sea turtles, these insights could translate into new prevention strategies or treatments.

The study highlights how species conservation and medical research intersect. Conservation of biodiversity not only preserves ecological heritage, but also biological solutions developed on evolutionary time scales that may be critical to human health challenges.

As researchers continue to investigate the secrets of lifespan of turtles, these ancient reptiles may occupy the key to extending healthy human life span while reducing the risk of cancer, proving that sometimes the oldest organisms offer the most modern solutions.

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