Diet and Cancer Prevention

Cancer Risk from Animal Organs
A new study has found that cancer-causing viruses can be spread between various species in the wild and can easily jump to humans. The discovery intensifies recent findings revealing that hearts and kidneys taken from pigs contain potentially deadly viruses. As a result, British health authorities have imposed a moratorium on all xenotransplant (cross-species transplant) surgeries, although biotechnology companies continue research in this area.

The study authors note that just because animals were found to have certain viruses doesn't mean they will necessarily show signs of illness. However, when viruses jump species they often acquire pathogenic properties, as was the case with HIV. What's more, such illnesses can take decades to show effect. Opponents of xenotransplantation hope that a combination of prevention programs and better access to available human organs will eliminate the push for animal hearts, livers, or any other organs.

Natural Environment Research Council.

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