When did cancer start
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
The Historical Origins and Evolution of Cancer
Ancient Evidence of Cancer: Fossils and Early Civilizations
Cancer is not a modern disease; its origins trace back millions of years. Evidence of cancerous growths has been discovered in dinosaur fossils, indicating that cancer existed long before humans. The earliest human records of cancer come from Ancient Egyptian papyri, dating back to 1500-1600 BC, which describe cases of tumors treated with excision and cauterization . Additionally, skeletal remains from ancient civilizations, such as Egyptian skulls from the First Dynasty (3400 BC) and pre-Columbian Peruvian bones, show signs of cancer.
Early Medical Understanding: Hippocrates to the 19th Century
The term "cancer" originates from the Greek physician Hippocrates (c. 400 BC), who used the terms "karkinos" and "karkinoma" to describe non-inflammatory, hard swellings and ulcers. Over the centuries, medical understanding of cancer evolved slowly. In the 1700s, surgical and workplace recommendations began to emerge as early forms of cancer prevention. However, effective therapeutic approaches were largely absent until the late 1800s, when the discovery of X-rays provided a new method for treating tumors.
The Birth of Modern Oncology: 20th Century Breakthroughs
The 20th century marked significant advancements in cancer research and treatment. The establishment of the first cancer research center in the United States in 1898 was a pivotal moment, followed by the creation of additional centers funded by philanthropists. The period from 1910 to 1940 saw remarkable progress in understanding carcinogens, precancerous conditions, and hereditary cancers, although overall survival rates remained low.
The post-World War II era brought about the discovery of cytotoxic antitumor drugs, leading to the birth of chemotherapy. The 1940s to 1970s saw the United States become a hub for cancer research, with the development of new diagnostic tools like mammography and computed tomography, and the linking of lung cancer to cigarette smoking.
Modern Advances: Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen exponential growth in cancer treatment options. The 1980s introduced targeted therapy, which uses drugs to target specific molecular pathways involved in cancer development. More recently, genetic engineering has led to the development of monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, revolutionizing the treatment of advanced or metastatic tumors.
Conclusion
Cancer has been a part of life on Earth for millions of years, with evidence found in both ancient fossils and early human records. From the rudimentary treatments of ancient civilizations to the sophisticated therapies of today, our understanding and approach to cancer have evolved dramatically. The journey from Hippocrates' early descriptions to modern targeted therapies and immunotherapies highlights the relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation in the fight against this ancient disease.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic