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Evidence of cancer found in Egyptian mummies from this period
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Evidence of cancer found in mummies of pre-Columbian Incas of Peru
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Egyptian papyruses describe treatments for cancer including cutting out with a knife or burning with red-hot irons. Stomach cancer was treated with boiled barley mixed with dates, cancer of the uterus by a concoction of fresh dates mixed with pig's brain introduced into the vagina
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Little progress was made in understanding cancer. It was still believed to be caused by too much black bile. Surgery and cautery were used on smaller tumours. Caustic (burning) pastes, usually containing arsenic, were used for control of more extensive cancer. Phlebotomy (blood-letting), diet, herbal medicines, powder of crab and other symbolic charms were used
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The development of microscopes, and better understanding of cells and the blood and lymphatic systems were major steps in improving understanding of cancer.
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Important discoveries in anaesthetics and control of infection improved surgical methods
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The radioactive substance, radium was discovered. It is now used to treat some types of cancer.
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Hundreds of materials, both man-made and natural, were recognised as causes of cancer (carcinogens). Improvements made in diagnosing (identifying) diseases and the changes those diseases bring about in the body, due to advances in areas of science such as physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology
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Chemotherapy—use of drugs to treat cancer—was tested
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Radiotherapy—use of radiation to kill cancer cells or stop them dividing—was developed as a treatment
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President Nixon signs the National Cancer Act.
