Cancer Through the Ages: Evidence and Evolution

Cancer, one of the most prevalent and studied diseases in human history, has been a part of medical discourse for millennia. From ancient civilizations to modern medical research, the understanding of cancer has evolved significantly, but its presence in human history remains undeniable.

Evidence of Cancer in Ancient Civilizations

The earliest evidence of cancer can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Siddhartha Mukherjee's The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer sheds light on a fascinating discovery: a 15-foot-long papyrus from the 17th century BC, translated in 1930, describes a detailed medical text attributed to the renowned Egyptian physician Imhotep. This text provides one of the earliest accounts of breast cancer.

Imhotep's description of breast cancer is quite detailed, mentioning a bulging mass that is cool to the touch and does not cause fever. He notes that such a mass would contain no granulations and produce no liquid discharge. Archival texts such as these can be invaluable in understanding the historical context of cancer diagnoses and treatments.

References in Ancient Literature

The Greek historian Herodotus, in his work The Histories, written around 440 BC, provides a glimpse into the prevalence of cancer in ancient times. He describes the condition of Queen Atossa of Persia, noting a "bleeding lump" in her breast, which is believed to be an early description of inflammatory breast cancer. This suggests that cancer was not just a myth but a real and recognizable condition in the ancient world.

Discovery in Mummies and Skeletons

The presence of cancer in mummies and skeletons, dating back 3000 and 1500 years ago, further solidifies the argument that cancer has been a part of human history for a long time. For instance, studies on Egyptian mummies have revealed the presence of sarcomas and carcinomas, indicating that cancer was not a random event but a real and frequent condition in ancient times.

Survival Rates and Conditions Leading to Cancer

In ancient times, the average lifespan was significantly shorter compared to today, leading to a higher rate of mortality from other causes. This likely buffered the incidence of cancer, as many individuals did not live long enough to develop the disease. However, the life expectancy for individuals who survived into adulthood was relatively high, with a substantial portion of the population living well into their 70s.

Veterinarians also observe cancer in other long-lived animals, indicating that the presence of cancer is not unique to the human species. This observation further supports the idea that cancer has been a part of the biological world for a long time. Genetic mutations that lead to cancer, while detectable only when a large number of cancer cells are present, can be present much earlier in the development of the disease.

The Evolution of Cancer Terminology

The term "cancer" itself dates back to the 5th century BCE, when Hippocrates coined it based on the crab-like appearance of tumors. This historical context helps us understand the early medical classifications of disease and the evolution of medical terminology.

Throughout history, medical practitioners have grappled with the understanding and treatment of cancer. From the early papyruses to the writings of ancient historians, the presence of cancer in human history is well-documented. As we continue to study the disease, we also learn more about its origins and evolution, which can inform modern approaches to its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.