Cancer Treatment History

Cancer is caused by DNA damage that results in mutated genes that begin to encode for certain proteins that control cell division. Damage to DNA in this manner is caused by exposure to carcinogens that are physical or chemical agents.

Cancer treatments are becoming more specialized and specific for the type of cancer pathology as research develops. Basically, though, there are three main types of cancer treatment: radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

Until the 19th century cancer treatment was based primarily upon the humor theory of four bodily fluids: phlegm, blood, black and yellow bile. Depending on the patient's humor, cancer treatment was comprised of blood-letting, diet and sometimes laxatives.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries doctors were dissecting more bodies for research purposes. Various doctors had striking theories and explanations as to the cause of cancer. Some thought that cancer was a poison and a contagious disease. Wilhelm Fabry thought that breast cancer was caused by mammary glands that had become clogged.

When the microscope was invented and more widely used it was discovered that cancer travels through the lymph system to infect other portions of the body. Though surgical treatment became



more common, the results were not that great because of poor hygiene and non-sterile conditions.

When hygiene was improved during the 18th century, the overall surgical treatment statistics improved greatly. In the 19th century Marie Curie discovered radiation and in doing so found the first non-surgical and effective treatment of cancer. Radiation therapy has gone on to provide some of the most promising cancer treatment known to date. As radiation therapy evolves, we're seeing an increase in the accuracy of radiation therapy, including micro-level treatment of various types of cancer.


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