Cancer is extremely rare in turtles, new study shows
A groundbreaking study led by the University of Nottingham has provided compelling evidence that cancer is incredibly rare in turtles—offering exciting insights that could help prevent or treat cancer in humans.
While earlier studies hinted at the rarity of cancer in turtles, this new analysis, titled “Do turtles get cancer?” and published in BioScience, confirms that only around 1% of turtles are affected, far lower than in mammals or birds. The study, led by Dr Ylenia Chiari from the University of Nottingham’s School of Life Sciences, alongside Dr Scott Glaberman from the University of Birmingham, is based on data from zoos across the US, UK, and Europe, including Chester Zoo.
The research draws on hundreds of zoo records and necropsies, underscoring the important role zoos play in scientific discovery. The study revealed not only the surprisingly low incidence of cancer, but also that when tumours did appear, they rarely spread.
Turtles, especially large species like the Galapagos and Aldabra giant tortoises, are known for their long lifespans, with some living over 150 years. Despite their size and longevity, which usually correlate with higher cancer risks in other animals, turtles seem to defy this pattern.
So, what’s their secret? It could lie in their robust defences against cell damage, a slow metabolism that reduces cellular stress, and unique genes that protect against cancer. Turtles may hold valuable clues for understanding cancer resistance and healthy aging, offering potential breakthroughs for human medicine.
Sadly, many turtle species are now classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List due to threats like climate change, habitat loss, and illegal pet trade. Several zoos contributing to this study, including Chester Zoo, are also involved in conservation breeding programmes aimed at saving these species from extinction.
Turtles, especially iconic species like Galapagos and Aldabra giant tortoises, are known for their long lives and impressive sizes. You’d expect that to mean higher cancer risk, but our study reveals just how rare cancer is in these animals. This underscores the potential for turtles as a model for studying cancer resistance and aging.
Dr Ylenia Chiari, University of Nottingham’s School of Life Sciences
Biodiversity teaches us so much about the natural world. Extreme species like giant tortoises might have already found solutions to some of the challenges humans face, including aging and cancer. This makes protecting biodiversity all the more important.
Dr Scott Glaberman, University of Birmingham
This research demonstrates the immense value of zoo-based science. At Chester Zoo, our commitment to long-term animal care and health monitoring plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of cancer resistance. It’s exciting to see these efforts support not only scientific progress but also our ongoing conservation work to protect these remarkable species.
Dr Helena Turner, Research Officer at Chester Zoo
