Quck answer
There is currently no scientific evidence to support the claim that shark cartilage can cure cancer. While some studies have shown that shark cartilage may have anti-inflammatory properties, there is no evidence that it can directly target and kill cancer cells. In fact, some studies have shown that shark cartilage may actually promote the growth of new blood vessels, which can help tumors grow and spread. It is important to rely on proven cancer treatments recommended by medical professionals, rather than unproven alternative therapies.
Wild Animals
An Australian customs officer displays drying shark fins found on board a suspected illegal fishing boat near Darwin, Australia. See more shark pictures.
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Sharks have been swimming in the Earth’s oceans for around 400 million years, making them one of the oldest creatures on the planet, predating humans, dinosaurs, and almost all other living things. With an average lifespan of 25 years, and some species living up to 100 years or more, they are one of the longest-living sea creatures. Scientists have been studying sharks for over a century, particularly because of their low likelihood of contracting diseases. Unlike fish with bones, sharks have a low rate of growing tumors, leading researchers to believe that sharks may be immune to cancer and tumors. One reason for this is that sharks do not have bones, but rather a skeleton made entirely of cartilage. Researchers believe that this cartilage could hold the key to curing human medical conditions, including cancer.
The shark cartilage industry is booming, with reports suggesting earnings of up to $25 million per year. Most of this comes from the sale of over-the-counter supplements and vitamins containing shark cartilage, which is typically sold in powdered form or packaged in an oral capsule. However, around 100 million sharks are killed each year by humans, and while it is unclear how many are killed for their cartilage, the vast number of shark products on the market indicates that it is a significant contributor.
The use of shark cartilage in human medication is based on claims that it helps prevent angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that causes tumors to continue to grow. While it was once believed that sharks did not get cancer, recent studies have disproved this claim, with 40 cases of tumors found in sharks and other sea creatures with cartilage skeletons.
Shark Cartilage: A Potential Cure for Cancer?
A fisherman cuts the fins off of a shark at the fish market in Abobodoume. The fins of the shark are dried and then exported to Asian countries, notably China and Japan.
Kambou Sia/Getty Images
The fact that sharks can get cancer makes it clear that consuming their cartilage as a health supplement will not cure cancer in humans. To confirm this, researchers have conducted studies on cancer patients, discovering that taking an oral shark cartilage supplement had no impact on cancerous tumours. The study also found that it did not prevent the spread of cancer to other organs and resulted in gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, shark cartilage contains mercury, which can have negative effects on the brain and kidneys. Despite this, some individuals continue to take it, as the media is quick to promote “miracle cancer cures.” However, research shows that shark cartilage could prove useful in fighting tumors if the key elements of the cartilage were isolated and administered to the tumor itself. The Mote Marine Laboratory’s Center for Shark Research is studying sharks’ immune systems, as they have a tremendous resistance to disease. Sharks produce immune cells mainly in their spleen and thymus, resulting in the shark’s immune cells being more readily available in the bloodstream and the lag time being eliminated. Sharks’ antibodies are also the smallest in the animal kingdom and can quickly penetrate tissue and get to the disease. While there is no evidence to suggest that ingesting shark products can impact our immune systems, we can learn more about how immune cells behave by studying sharks.
The FDA and Shark Cartilage are discussed on this page. There is a lot more information available, including related articles on HowStuffWorks such as How Sharks Work, How Shark Attacks Work, and Why do people collect shark teeth? There are also links to other resources such as the Discovery Channel Shark Guide and the American Cancer Society. Sources for the information presented on the page are listed at the bottom.
FAQ
1. Is there any scientific evidence that shark cartilage can cure cancer?
Although shark cartilage has been promoted as a cancer treatment for many years, there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. In fact, several clinical studies have shown that shark cartilage does not have any significant anticancer effects. Therefore, it is not recommended as a primary treatment for cancer.
2. What is shark cartilage made of?
Shark cartilage is made of a tough, flexible tissue that provides support and structure to the shark’s body. It is composed of a matrix of proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus.
3. How is shark cartilage used as a cancer treatment?
Shark cartilage is usually taken in the form of a dietary supplement or as a topical cream. It is believed to work by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread. However, there is little evidence to support this claim.
4. Are there any side effects of taking shark cartilage?
Although shark cartilage is generally considered safe, it can cause some side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. In addition, shark cartilage supplements may contain high levels of calcium, which can lead to kidney stones and other complications in some people.
5. Why do some people believe in the efficacy of shark cartilage?
Some people believe in the efficacy of shark cartilage as a cancer treatment because of anecdotal evidence and testimonials from people who claim to have been cured by it. However, such claims are not supported by scientific research.
6. What are some other alternative cancer treatments?
There are many alternative cancer treatments, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and meditation. However, it is important to note that these treatments have not been scientifically proven to cure cancer and should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical care.
7. Can shark cartilage be used in combination with other cancer treatments?
There is little evidence to suggest that shark cartilage can enhance the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, some people may choose to use shark cartilage as a complementary therapy alongside conventional cancer treatments.
8. Is it legal to use shark cartilage as a cancer treatment?
Shark cartilage is legal to use as a dietary supplement in many countries, including the United States. However, it is not approved by the FDA as a cancer treatment and should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical care.
9. What is the current state of research on shark cartilage and cancer?
Although shark cartilage has been extensively studied as a cancer treatment, the results have been largely disappointing. There is little evidence to support the claim that shark cartilage can cure cancer or even slow its progression.
10. What should people with cancer do instead of relying on shark cartilage?
People with cancer should seek out conventional medical care from a qualified healthcare professional. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. It is important to work with a healthcare team to develop an individualized treatment plan that takes into account the specific type and stage of cancer.
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