Could these twins' rare genetic disorder provide the key to preventing cancer? - BBC News

Researchers have found that people with Laron syndrome have a lower incidence of cancer than the wider population.

Image source, JORGE PEREZ / BBCImage caption, Sisters María Luisa and María del Cisne say sharing their experiences helps them cope with their challenges

Nestled in southern Ecuador's network of Andes mountains is the town of Piñas, whose 8,000 inhabitants live in houses scattered across a valley.

This remote town is home to an unusually high number of people living with Laron syndrome, a rare genetic condition that prevents the body from growing taller than 1.2m (3.9ft).

María Luísa Romero and her twin sister, María del Cisne, both have the condition but they say being there for each other has helped them.

"We're always strong, we pool our strength and one defends the other," María Luísa explains as she sits on a sofa next to her sister.