Meat-eating animals are at a higher risk of cancer. The newest released research in Nature Journal, one of the world’s leading scientific journals shows that carnivores are more likely to be affected by cancer due to meat-eating.
The research was conducted by the University of Southern Denmark on more than a hundred thousand zoo animals. Zoo animals can be closely monitored throughout their life that’s why the research group chose zoo animals instead of those in the wild. It was found that cancer can occur in animals too but its extent is still unknown to the researchers.
For the study, about 191 species along with 110,148 mammals were assessed as specimens. The samples pointed towards the extensive existence of the disease. Through the observations, it can be inferred that cancer can emerge anywhere in the mammalian phylogeny. According to the research, cancer should be associated with age. The aspect like the age of an animal affects the spread of cancer in the body.
The older the animal the weaker its immunity will be. Ultimately, the more chances of developing cancer. From the stance of wild animals, unlike zoo animals, not much is known about animals living in the wild. So, it won’t be wrong to say that the new study does have some limitations or implications.
The researchers also evaluated the food intake of animals. Although the effect of meat intake and occurrence of cancer among mammals was visible. However, the research yet again could not be implied to every mammal. The zoo animals are exposed to lesser microbiome diversity as well as physical activity than those in natural habitats.
University of Southern Denmark‘s study furthermore dealt with evolutionary doubts relating to tumors. As per their research, the animals which have larger bodies are at greater risk of developing tumors too as there are more cells in their body. Overall, this study has received a lot of support but cannot be correlated with every species.
According to the study’s co-author Fernando Colchero, their analysis highlights that cancer is a concern for animals and not just humans. It is required to provide the right attention to them especially when they are living in an environment polluted by humans.