Cancer is the result of cells which grow uncontrollably and do not die. Normal cells in the body grow, divide and die in an orderly path. This type of programmed cell death is known as apoptosis. When this path is broken down, cancer begins to form. The cancer cells do not undergo programmatic death and instead, they continue to grow and divide. This results in a mass of abnormal cells which grows out of control.
According to the American Cancer Society, Cancer is the second commonest cause of death in the US and it accounts for around 1 of every 4 deaths. It is a major cause of death worldwide. Deaths from cancer worldwide are rising continuously and estimated to be 13.1 million deaths in 2030.
Cancer researchers observed that there is a correlation between a high amount of squalene in shark and the absence of cancer in this species. The mechanism behind the action of squalene in preventing cancer is its ability to decrease mutated ras oncogene activation. Ras oncogene is a family of genes that produce proteins linked to the cell signalling pathways which manage cell growth and cell death. Studies have shown that squalene acts as an anti-cancer agent by decreasing farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) levels in cells as the prenylation of FPP is needed for oncogene activation.
Moreover, squalene is an excellent free radicals scavenger; therefore, it protects cells and organs from auto-oxidative damages. Squalene has antioxidant properties; therefore, it neutralizes the free radicals. The increased generation of free radicals can result in oxidative stress that can produce imbalance leading to oxidative damage, cell death, tissue damage and ultimately a medical condition.
It is better to prevent the occurrence of such a lethal disease rather than opting for unreliable treatments once such a disease attacks. Squalene being a product of natural resource does not cause any side effect. Its daily intake as a health supplement can reduce the risk of developing various types of cancers.
