Cancer in the Wild

By Virginia Prescott on Tuesday, July 7, 2009.

Cancer is a leading cause of death for humans and also kills millions of dogs, cats and other pets. Now researchers are tracking cancers in wild animals. Dolphins, green sea turtles, and beluga whales are just a few of the animals that have been shown to develop cancers in the wild, and researchers believe polluted waters may be to blame.

Denise McAloose is Chief Pathologist for the Wildlife Conservation Society's Global Health Program and the author of a paper published in the current issue of Nature Reviews Cancer. She joined us to uncover why wild animals are developing tumors and what can be done to slow the spread.

Nature Reviews Cancer: Wildlife Cancer, A Conservation Perspective

Scientific American: Cancer joins threats to wildlife

(Photo by Michael Hanscom via Flickr/Creative Commons)

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Word of Mouth is all about what's new. Online and on-air, the show looks at our fascinating and ever-changing world, and puts the latest ideas under a microscope. Word of Mouth investigates everything from science and technology, to health and the environment, to new trends in popular culture. The show airs Monday through Thursday at noon and is hosted by Virginia Prescott.