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Why do we not have 'heart cancer'?

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Edited by Jason Roberts, Monday, 28 Nov 2022, 21:10

The heart has hardly changed in mammals for hundreds of millions of years, but humans have changed very rapidly i.e., most notably, in our brains. Our brains have evolved significantly. which has led to a plethora of humans on this planet in relatively no time at all.

So, my hypothesis is this: Is cancer a genetic side effect of rapid evolution of organs in our bodies and therefore successful evolution in a swift manner is why we are so cancerous? 

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SXR103 chemistry is fun (2008) :-)

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Heart cancer does exist:  Heart cancer - Wikipedia

I suspect that most cancers start in cells which come most into contact with environmental factors that damage their DNA and cause them to become cancerous. e.g. factors such as toxins in air we breathe, the food we eat and drink, the suns UV rays.

There are also hereditary factors such as pre-damaged DNA that while not necessarily causing cancer, greatly increase the risk of some cancers developing.

Simply, cancer isn't simple. In most cases a number of different factors need to coincide before a cancer starts to grow.

Jan


SXR103 chemistry is fun (2008) :-)

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This is a good place to start Data and Statistics | Cancer Research UK

Then follow your nose to find out what is already known about numbers of cases and possible causes.

It's best to check the data before forming hypotheses. smile

Jan

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Thanks for your advice Jan.

You make some good points.