When was cancer discovered
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These studies suggest cancer was recognized in prehistoric times and described in ancient medical writings, with significant advancements in understanding and treatment occurring in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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The Discovery and Historical Understanding of Cancer
Early Evidence of Cancer: Ancient Civilizations and Fossils
Cancer has been a part of human history for millennia, with evidence of the disease found in ancient fossils and historical records. Paleopathological studies have identified cancerous growths in dinosaur fossils and prehistoric animals such as cave bears and Pleistocene horses. The earliest human evidence of cancer comes from Egyptian skulls dating back to the First Dynasty (circa 3400 B.C.) and Fifth Dynasty (circa 2750 B.C.), as well as from pre-Columbian Peru. Ancient Egyptian papyri, written around 1500-1600 B.C., also suggest the presence of cancer, describing non-inflammatory, hard swellings and ulcers of the skin, breast, and genitalia .
Ancient Medical Texts and Early Treatments
The first documented case of human cancer dates back approximately 2,700 years. Ancient medical writings from Mesopotamia, India, and Persia also contain descriptions of cancer-like conditions . Hippocrates, around 400 B.C., provided early descriptions of cancer, using the terms "karkinos" or "karkinoma," which were later translated into Latin as "cancer". Early treatments were rudimentary and included excision and the use of caustic salves, methods that persisted for centuries.
Milestones in Cancer Research: 19th and Early 20th Centuries
Significant progress in understanding and treating cancer began in the 19th century. Surgeons like Petit performed total mastectomies with excision of axillary glands for breast cancer, a practice that remains routine today. The discoveries of X-rays by Röntgen in 1896 and the subsequent work by the Curies revolutionized cancer diagnosis and treatment, laying the groundwork for radiation therapy . During this period, pathologists refined the microscopic classification of tumors and introduced the grading of cancers, which helped in the diagnosis and treatment planning.
The Birth of Modern Oncology: Mid-20th Century Advances
The mid-20th century saw groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research. The identification of carcinogens, precancerous conditions, and hereditary cancers provided new insights into the genesis of cancer. The discovery of tumor viruses by Peyton Rous in 1911 and subsequent identification of human tumor viruses in the 1960s and 1970s, such as Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis B virus, highlighted the role of viruses in cancer development. These discoveries led to the development of the first cancer vaccines and advanced our understanding of oncogenes and tumor suppressors like p53.
Recent Developments: Molecular Biology and Targeted Therapies
The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen significant advancements in cancer treatment, particularly with the development of targeted therapies. The discovery of cytotoxic antitumor drugs after World War II marked the beginning of chemotherapy. The 1980s brought about targeted therapies, which focus on specific molecular targets involved in cancer processes, significantly improving patient outcomes. More recent innovations include monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have shown promise in treating advanced or metastatic tumors.
Conclusion
The history of cancer discovery is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. From ancient descriptions and rudimentary treatments to modern molecular biology and targeted therapies, our understanding and ability to treat cancer have evolved dramatically. Each milestone has built upon the previous, leading to the sophisticated and effective treatments available today. As research continues, the future holds promise for even more breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.
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