The latest ally in fighting cancer may come from Jaws himself. Shark cartilage is now being closely studied by the FDA as a way to treat tumors. Sharks, who don't get cancer, are unusual because their skeleton is made up mostly of cartilage. Some researchers suspect that shark cartilage contains a protein strand that inhibits the growth of new blood vessels, essentially cutting off a tumor's food supply. This is what makes it a controversial treatment and one reason it should never be taken by anyone who needs to grow new blood vessels, such as pregnant women, kids or those who've just had surgery.
Shark cartilage is widely available in health food stores.
This is one possible reason that Japanese men experience an increase in prostate cancer upon moving to the West and reducing their intake of soy products. The FDA's tests on shark cartilage are expected to be rigorous. If the results add up to the hype, however, it's one weapon that may really take a bite out of cancer.