15 Species That Rarely Get Cancer—and What That Means for Humans

Home Animals 15 Species That Rarely Get Cancer—and What That Means for Humans

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By Shannon Quinn - July 7, 2025

Cancer is a disease that touches nearly every corner of the animal kingdom, but its prevalence is far from uniform. Some species seem almost immune, with rates so low they puzzle scientists. Over millions of years, these animals have evolved remarkable natural defenses against cancer’s deadly grip.
By exploring how these creatures evade cancer, researchers hope to unlock new insights that could revolutionize prevention and treatment for humans. The secrets hidden in their biology may one day offer hope in our ongoing fight against this pervasive disease.

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1. Elephants

15 Species That Rarely Get Cancer—and What That Means for Humans — Elephants’ abundance of TP53 genes offers powerful natural protection against cancer development. Photo by: ChatGPT

Despite their enormous bodies and long lives, elephants rarely develop cancer. Their secret lies in an abundance of TP53 genes—they have about 20 copies, compared to just one in humans. These genes are crucial for identifying and repairing damaged DNA or destroying cells that could become cancerous.
This natural safeguard helps explain their low cancer rates and has captured the attention of scientists. Research into elephant genetics could inspire more effective cancer prevention strategies for humans.

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2. Naked Mole Rats

Naked mole rats are almost legendary in scientific circles for their astonishing cancer resistance. A key factor is their unique, high-molecular-weight hyaluronan, which prevents cells from overcrowding and becoming malignant. This adaptation not only helps them avoid tumors but also contributes to their impressive longevity. Researchers are especially interested in how this molecule functions, as it could hold clues for developing new cancer therapies. Studies continue to unravel the secrets of this remarkable rodent.

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3. Bowhead Whales

Bowhead whales are the world’s longest-lived mammals, with lifespans surpassing two centuries. Even more remarkable is their exceptional resistance to cancer. Researchers believe this is due to advanced DNA repair mechanisms within their cells, which help maintain genetic stability over their long lives. Sequencing the bowhead whale genome has shed light on unique adaptations that promote both longevity and health. As scientists study these gentle giants, they hope to apply similar principles to human aging and cancer prevention. Learn more here.

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4. Blind Mole Rats

Blind mole rats possess an extraordinary defense against cancer: when their cells sense abnormal growth, they trigger a mass self-destruction process that eliminates precancerous cells. This mechanism is so effective that tumors are virtually unheard of in this species. Scientists are eager to understand how blind mole rats orchestrate this response, hoping to replicate it in humans. Their unique biology offers a promising blueprint for future anti-cancer therapies. Read more.

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5. Sharks

Sharks have long fascinated scientists for their unexpectedly low cancer rates, despite their large size and long lifespans. Their cartilage is rich in compounds believed to inhibit the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors—a process known as angiogenesis. While sharks are not entirely immune to cancer, their biology continues to inspire medical research. Ongoing studies aim to unravel how these compounds work and whether they could inform new cancer treatments for humans. Learn more.

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6. Blue Whales

Blue whales, the largest animals ever to inhabit our planet, present a fascinating scientific puzzle: they rarely develop cancer despite having trillions of cells. This phenomenon directly challenges the logic of Peto’s Paradox, which suggests larger animals should have much higher cancer rates. Researchers are delving into the unique biology of blue whales to uncover what guards them against cellular mutations. Their resilience could teach us vital lessons about cancer prevention at any scale. Explore the paradox.

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7. Brandt’s Bats

Brandt’s bats are remarkable for their longevity, reaching up to 40 years—an extraordinary feat for creatures of their size. Even more intriguing is their low incidence of cancer throughout their lives.
Scientists attribute this resilience to highly efficient DNA repair mechanisms, which help prevent mutations that could lead to tumors. Ongoing research into these bats may reveal strategies for enhancing DNA protection in humans.

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8. Spalax (Israeli Blind Mole Rat)

The Spalax, or Israeli blind mole rat, has become a star in cancer research thanks to its unique tumor-suppressing genes. Native to the Middle East, this subterranean species shows an extraordinary absence of cancer in scientific studies. Researchers are investigating how Spalax genes suppress tumor formation and growth so effectively. Their genetic toolkit could inspire future breakthroughs in human cancer prevention and treatment. Discover more.

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9. Asian Elephants

Asian elephants, much like their African cousins, possess additional anti-cancer genes that help safeguard their health. These genetic defenses result in surprisingly low cancer rates, even for such large mammals. Their biology is of great interest to scientists, who are conducting comparative studies to unravel the mechanisms behind this resistance. Insights from Asian elephants may inform new approaches to cancer prevention in both animals and humans. Read more.

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10. Bowfin Fish

Bowfin fish are noted for their remarkable resistance to tumors, both in their natural habitats and in laboratory studies. Scientists suspect this resilience is linked to a powerful immune system that can swiftly identify and remove abnormal cells before they become cancerous. Exploring the bowfin’s immune defenses may reveal new strategies to help bolster cancer resistance in other species, including humans. Find out more.

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11. Greenland Sharks

Greenland sharks are among the world’s longest-living vertebrates, with lifespans often surpassing 400 years. Despite their age, they rarely develop cancer. Scientists suspect that the sharks’ extremely slow metabolism and distinctive immune system play key roles in their cancer resistance and longevity. Understanding these adaptations could reveal novel ways to protect against cancer in humans. Explore their secrets.

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12. Turritopsis dohrnii (Immortal Jellyfish)

Turritopsis dohrnii, famously dubbed the ‘immortal jellyfish’, can revert its adult cells back to a youthful state. This unique process of cellular rejuvenation confers an extraordinary resistance to both aging and cancer. Scientists are fascinated by how this jellyfish sidesteps cell damage and disease, hoping its biology will reveal new paths for treating age-related conditions and cancer in humans. Learn more about its fascinating life cycle.

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13. Humpback Whales

Humpback whales impress researchers with their low cancer rates, even though they are massive and long-lived animals. Their exceptional DNA repair abilities and specialized cell cycle regulation are key areas of study. By understanding how these whales maintain genomic stability, scientists hope to uncover strategies that could help prevent or fight cancer in humans. Read the research for deeper insights.

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14. African Clawed Frogs

African clawed frogs are notable for their rare incidence of tumors, a trait linked to their remarkable regenerative powers and a strong immune system. These attributes make them valuable models in biomedical research. Scientists are investigating how these frogs’ natural defenses protect them from cancer and whether similar mechanisms could be harnessed for human therapies. Explore their biology for more details.

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15. Ocean Quahog Clams

Ocean quahog clams astonish scientists with their lifespans exceeding 500 years and an impressively low occurrence of cancer. Their secret appears to lie in highly efficient cellular maintenance and robust stress response systems. Researchers are delving into these mechanisms to better understand how they promote longevity and prevent disease. Such findings could eventually impact how we approach aging and cancer in humans. Discover the science behind their resilience.

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What This Means for Human Health

Studying cancer-resistant species is transforming how we think about cancer in humans. These animals reveal ingenious genetic adaptations, cellular processes, and immune defenses that keep cancer at bay. Their natural strategies offer blueprints for developing new therapies and prevention methods. By decoding their biology, scientists hope to design treatments that mimic these powerful defenses. This pioneering research is opening doors to a future where cancer may be far less threatening for us all.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about cancer or your health, always consult a qualified healthcare provider. Stay curious—and take charge of your health with trusted guidance.

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