The man likely died a slow and painful death from the disease given the pattern of round and dense tumors between its pelvis and lumbar spine.
The man was 5’5” and between 51 and 60 years old, according to the article in the International Journal of Paleopathology.
The Ptolemaic dynasty was a Greek royal family which ruled Egypt during the Hellenistic period from 305 BC to 30 BC.
Of course, the general inactivity of mummies could be the problem. Another report out this week reports that inactivity increases the likelihood of cancer. As many as 100,000 new cases of breast cancer and colon cancer per year were associated with physical inactivity. In addition to 30 minutes minimum of exercise a week, the report recommends getting up and walking around every 60 minutes as well as other tips.
Source: Daily Mail