History of Cancer

One of the earliest known mentions of cancer is found in ancient Egyptian writings from around 3000 B.C. Although technology and research have provided insights into cancer’s origins, it remains a challenging disease to cure today.

“Cancer was a death sentence. People would not be given a long time to live,” says Mariana Stern, a cancer epidemiologist at the University of Southern California.

Treatments Through Time

Throughout history, various methods have been employed to attempt curing cancer, ranging from pastes to surgical techniques. A milestone was achieved in the 1700s when British surgeon Percivall Pott identified a direct link between cancer and environmental factors. Pott observed chimney sweeps frequently developed cancer due to exposure to soot, leading to regulatory changes concerning their safety.

Surgery was commonly used to treat cancer, but it often failed to eliminate cells that could regenerate. Around the 19th century, radiation therapy emerged as a potential treatment. Swedish physicians independently cured skin cancer using x-rays, but radiation also posed the risk of causing cancer.

The development of chemotherapy in the mid-1900s offered a new approach by targeting rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic of cancer cells. Despite improvements in survival rates, cancer remains a complex disease with over a hundred types.

Challenges in Finding a Cure

“Each cancer type has its own unique characteristics,” says Stern. “Finding one treatment to cure cancer is impossible.”

Research has shifted towards improving prevention and treatment for each type of cancer. Most cancers result from random mutations in the genetic code, with only a small percentage being hereditary. Various carcinogens, including sun exposure, tobacco, diet, inactivity, and infections, can increase mutation rates.

Impact of Age

“As we age, our cells deteriorate and accumulate more mutations,” Stern explains, adding that one in two people may develop cancer during their lifetime.

Though aging increases risks, many factors contributing to cancer are modifiable.

Advances in Modern Treatment

Personalized medicine is becoming more prevalent to address the diverse nature of cancer. Treatment plans are now tailored to individual tumor characteristics, which can result in one patient receiving therapies initially developed for different cancer types.

Stern’s work highlights disparities in cancer research and treatment among Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, and African-American communities. These groups are often underrepresented, affecting the efficacy of treatment developed predominantly for those of European descent.

New therapies, like immunotherapy, are promising. This method uses the patient’s immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells.

Access to Treatment

“Every cancer patient should have access to the best treatments available, but this is still not the reality,” Stern laments.

The episode discussed advancements in cancer treatment on NPR’s Short Wave, encouraging listeners to engage further.

For more details on medical developments, reach out at [email protected] or listen on podcast platforms. Support NPR via Short Wave+.

This episode’s production team included Berly McCoy, Rebecca Ramirez, and Brit Hanson, with audio by Gilly Moon.