Cancer 'is purely man-made' say scientists after finding almost no trace of disease in Egyptian mummies (Fiona Macrae)

Scientists found no signs of cancer in their extensive study of mummies apart from one isolated case

Oct. 15, 2010 (Daily Mail) -- Cancer is a man-made disease fuelled by the excesses of modern life, a study of ancient remains has found.

Tumours were rare until recent times when pollution and poor diet became issues, the review of mummies, fossils and classical literature found.

A greater understanding of its origins could lead to treatments for the disease, which claims more than 150,000 lives a year in the UK.

Scientists found no signs of cancer in their extensive study of mummies apart from one isolated case

Michael Zimmerman, a visiting professor at Manchester University, said: 'In an ancient society lacking surgical intervention, evidence of cancer should remain in all cases.

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