Cancer: a disease with a long and complex history. This article explores our evolving understanding of cancer, from its first documented case in the 4th century BC to the ongoing fight for a cure.
The First Encounters with Cancer (4th Century BC):
- Satyrus, a tyrant, suffered from a debilitating groin cancer, highlighting the disease's existence millennia ago.
- Early medical texts described various cancers, including breast cancer progression.
- The term "cancer" emerged during this period, inspired by the crab's aggressive nature and resemblance to tumors.
Ancient Theories and Treatments:
- The prevailing medical theory attributed illness to an imbalance of four bodily fluids (humors). An excess of black bile was linked to cancer.
- Treatments included medications derived from plants, animals, and even metals like arsenic.
- Early-stage cancers were sometimes treated with these drugs, while surgery was reserved for specific cases.
Surgical Techniques:
- Fear of blood loss limited surgical interventions.
- Breast cancers spreading to the nipple were considered most treatable.
- Cauterization (burning) was a common surgical practice.
Living with Cancer in Antiquity:
- Cancer was often viewed as incurable, leading to fear and despair.
- Some patients, like the poet Silius Italicus, tragically ended their own lives.
- Others sought divine intervention for a cure.
Fast Forward to Today:
- Our understanding of cancer has transformed dramatically over the past 2,400 years.
- We now recognize over 200 different cancers, with some offering successful treatment options for extended lifespans.
- However, the search for a universal cure continues. In 2022 alone, cancer resulted in an estimated 20 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths worldwide.
The Takeaway:
The fight against cancer is ongoing. While significant progress has been made, continued research is essential for conquering this global health challenge.