For years, scientists believed large animals had some natural protection against cancer. However, new research challenges this long-standing assumption. It turns out that bigger animals actually get more cancer—a discovery that may change how we understand the disease.
A Mystery in Cancer Research
Cancer affects all animals, but researchers once thought size didn’t matter. This belief, known as Peto’s Paradox, suggested that large animals had evolved better defenses against cancer despite having more cells. However, a groundbreaking study reveals that the reality is more complex. Instead of being resistant, bigger species are actually at higher risk.
The Bigger the Body, the Higher the Risk
The study examined cancer rates across various species, from rodents to elephants. The data showed a clear trend: the larger the animal, the more likely it was to develop cancer. This goes against previous assumptions that large animals had unique biological mechanisms to prevent the disease. While some species do have better defenses, the overall pattern suggests size does play a role.
Why Were Scientists Wrong?
Scientists believed that evolution would favor cancer resistance in large animals, allowing them to live long lives. However, this new research suggests that cancer risk is still tied to body size. Instead of being immune, many large animals may simply live long enough for cancer to develop, making them more vulnerable than previously thought.
A Complex Relationship
The findings don’t mean every large animal is doomed to get cancer. Some species, like elephants, have evolved extra copies of cancer-fighting genes. Others, like whales, may have different strategies for managing cell mutations. But the study suggests that, overall, size does influence cancer risk, reshaping how scientists approach the study of the disease.
What This Means for Humans
Humans fall somewhere in the middle—larger than most animals, but not as massive as elephants or whales. Understanding how size impacts cancer risk could help scientists develop new treatments. If some species have evolved ways to fight cancer, studying them may unlock new ways to prevent or treat the disease in humans.
A New Chapter in Cancer Research
This discovery doesn’t just challenge old beliefs; it opens new doors. By studying how different species manage cancer risk, researchers hope to develop better strategies for both wildlife conservation and human medicine. The connection between size and cancer may not be simple, but understanding it could lead to breakthroughs in health and longevity. This research changes the way we see cancer in the animal kingdom. While big animals might not be as immune as once thought, studying them could help us better understand and fight the disease. For scientists, this is just the beginning of a new journey—one that may redefine our understanding of cancer itself.
adventuring, photography and videography. I am currently working towards a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology at Stellenbosch University to go on to specialise in Marine Sciences one day.
Please send any feedback to Feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com
- Bigger Animals Are More Prone To Cancer New Research Discovers - August 19, 2025
- Grizzly Bear Gets Chased By A Moose - August 19, 2025
- A Day at the Beach Turns Alarming - August 19, 2025