Oldest evidence of cancer found

We perhaps think of cancer as a relatively modern disease, but it turns out it’s been around for a very long time.

Scientists have just discovered a fossilised foot bone from an ancient human dating back 1.7 million years that shows signs of an agressive form of bone cancer.

One of the scientists involved – Zachary Throckmorton – has just returned from Africa where the bone was found. Jesse Mulligan gave him a call.

Surface rendered models (proximo -dorsal aspects), showing medullary bone infill and clear focalised cortical destruction near the periosteal margin in b. Images by E.J.O

Orthoslices taken at lateral aspect of the neoplasm. Images by E.J.O. and P.S.R.Q.

Surface rendered models of 5th metatarsal showing medullary spongy bone infill and clear focalised cortical destruction. Images by E.J.O.

Transverse micro CT orthoslices through 5th metatarsal. (a) The transverse ortho slice shows sclerotic cortical margin abutting the neoplasm. Images by E.J.O. and P.S.R.Q

“Some people have argued that cancer is primarily a disease of modern times, but cancer is, essentially, unregulated cellular growth. It does not necessarily require carnicogenic materials or carcinogenic chemicals to cause the growth” – Zachary Throckmorton