Description

The risk of developing cancer should theoretically increase with both the number of cells and the lifespan of an organism. However, gigantic animals do not get more cancer than humans, suggesting that super-human cancer suppression has evolved numerous times across

The risk of developing cancer should theoretically increase with both the number of cells and the lifespan of an organism. However, gigantic animals do not get more cancer than humans, suggesting that super-human cancer suppression has evolved numerous times across the tree of life. This is the essence and promise of Peto’s Paradox. We discuss what is known about Peto’s Paradox and provide hints of what is yet to be discovered.

Reuse Permissions
  • Downloads
    pdf (380.9 KB)

    Details

    Title
    • Peto’s Paradox: How Has Evolution Solved the Problem of Cancer Prevention?
    Contributors
    Date Created
    2017-07-13
    Resource Type
  • Text
  • Collections this item is in
    Identifier
    • Digital object identifier: 10.1186/s12915-017-0401-7
    • Identifier Type
      International standard serial number
      Identifier Value
      1741-7007
    Note

    Citation and reuse

    Cite this item

    This is a suggested citation. Consult the appropriate style guide for specific citation guidelines.

    Tollis, M., Boddy, A. M., & Maley, C. C. (2017). Peto’s Paradox: how has evolution solved the problem of cancer prevention? BMC Biology, 15(1). doi:10.1186/s12915-017-0401-7

    Machine-readable links