World's Oldest Cancer Originated In 11,000-Year-Old Dog, Ancient Canine Genome 'Is Still Alive Today'

The world's oldest identified cancer developed 11,000 years ago in a single Alaskan malamute or husky-type canine, a new study suggests. The cancer, called canine transmissible venereal tumor, or CTVT, continues living in today's modern dog population. It is the third known contagious cancer in the world - passed from one dog to another when they have sex, or lick another infected dog, NBC News reports.