The History of Cancer
The study of cancer, called oncology, is the work of countless doctors and scientists around the world whose discoveries in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, epidemiology, and other related fields made oncology what it is today. Technological advances and the ever-increasing understanding of cancer make this field one of the most rapidly evolving areas of modern medicine. The growth in our knowledge of cancer biology has led to remarkable progress in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Scientists have learned more about cancer in the last 2 decades than had been learned in all the centuries preceding. This doesn’t change the fact, however, that all scientific knowledge is based on the knowledge already acquired by the hard work and discovery of our predecessors – and we know that there’s still a lot more to learn.
Origin of the Word "Cancer"
The word "cancer" got here from the father of medicine: Hippocrates, a Greek physician. Hippocrates used the Greek words carcinos and carcinoma to describe tumors, for that reason calling cancer "karkinos." The Greek terms actually had been words that were used to describe a crab, which Hippocrates idea a tumor resembled. Although Hippocrates may additionally have named the ailment "cancer," he used to be really not the first to discover the disease. The records of most cancers certainly begins an awful lot earlier.
The First Documented Case of Cancer
The world's oldest documented case of cancer hails from historical Egypt in 1500 BC. The important points have been recorded on papyrus, documenting eight cases of tumors taking place on the breast. It was once handled by cauterization, which destroyed tissue with a warm instrument referred to as "the fireplace drill." It was once also recorded that there was once no cure for the disease, only palliative treatment. There is proof that the historical Egyptians have been capable to tell the distinction between malignant and benign tumors.3 According to inscriptions, surface tumors had been surgically eliminated similarly as they are removed today.
What Early Physicians Thought Caused Cancer
In Ancient Greece, an awful lot less was acknowledged about the human physique than what is regarded today, of course. For example, Hippocrates believed that the body was once composed of four fluids: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. He believed that an extra of black bile in any given website in the physique brought about cancer. This used to be the generic concept of the cause of most cancers for the subsequent 1,400 years.
In Ancient Egypt, it was once believed that most cancers was brought about by the Gods.
The Birth of the Pathological Autopsy
Autopsies accomplished by William Harvey in 1628 paved the way to mastering greater about human anatomy and physiology. Blood circulation was discovered, opening the doorways for extra research on diseases. It wasn't until 1761 that autopsies were carried out to research the cause of dying in ill patients. Giovanni Morgagni of Padua was the first to do such autopsies.
More Theories on the Causes of Cancer
The lymph theory developed in the 17th century, replacing Hippocrates' black bile theory on the motive of cancer. The discovery of the lymphatic gadget gave new perception into what might also purpose cancer. It was believed that abnormalities in the lymphatic machine have been the cause.
It wasn't till the late 19th century that Rudolf Virchow diagnosed that cells, even cancerous cells, derived from other cells. Other theories surfaced, such as most cancers being brought on through trauma, parasites, and it was once thinking that cancer may unfold "like a liquid." It was once later concluded that cancer unfold through malignant cells by using German surgeon, Karl Thiersch. In 1926, a Nobel Prize was wrongfully awarded for the discovery of the cause of stomach cancer, a worm. The 20th century saw the biggest development in cancer research. Research identifying carcinogens, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and better means of analysis was discovered. Today, we are able to cure some sorts of cancer, and research is ongoing. Clinical trials and research are the key to finding a cure, or a definitive approach of prevention.
Conclusion
A plan for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is a key component of any overall cancer control plan. Its main goal is to cure cancer patients or prolong their life considerably, ensuring a good quality of life. In order for a diagnosis and treatment programme to be effective, it must never be developed in isolation. It needs to be linked to an early detection programme so that cases are detected at an early stage, when treatment is more effective and there is a greater chance of cure. It also needs to be integrated with a palliative care programme, so that patients with advanced cancers, who can no longer benefit from treatment, will get adequate relief from their physical, psychosocial and spiritual suffering
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