The History of Cancer: From Ancient Times to Modern Era
- Research Staff
- Apr 30
- 13 min read
Updated: May 1
This article examines the history of cancer, its various types, and its evolution over time. It also highlights the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cancer care and discusses the latest advancements in medical technology and treatment. Then, answer some common questions about cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide.
By Dr. Grishma Wosti, MBBS
Edited and reviewed by Larrie Hamilton: B.S., MHS.
Key Takeaways
Cancer has existed for a long time, but in the past, lack of diagnosis, equipment, and high costs made treatment difficult. Cancer is being cured today through advanced therapies, ongoing research, and innovative technology. These advancements help reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes.
Awareness and campaigns help people recognize the signs of cancer at an early stage.
Regular cancer screening checks for early signs of cancer in people without symptoms, helping detect it early when treatment is most effective—but if you have symptoms, see your doctor right away.
Artificial Intelligence in oncology enhances cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment by analyzing medical images, research data, and genetic information.
What is Cancer?
Cancer has been known since ancient times. Cancer begins when cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control; normal cells become cancerous cells that multiply and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is also known as Carcinoma, Neoplasm, or Malignancy. The study of cancer is termed oncology. Cancer can form in almost any part of the body, and each type of cancer is named for the tissue or organ in which it originates. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), by 2025, the most common cancers in women are projected to be breast cancer (32%), lung and bronchus cancer (12%), and colorectal cancer (7%). The most common cancers in men are projected to be prostate cancer (30%), lung and bronchus cancer (11%), and colorectal cancer (8%).
A cancer diagnosis is a challenging journey for both patients and their families—emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially. During this time, patients need unwavering support, trust, positivity, proper nutrition, and regular follow-ups to aid in their recovery and well-being.
Origin of a Disease and Tracing Cancer Till Now
The word "cancer" originates from the Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC), who used the terms carcinos and carcinoma to describe tumors, referring to a crab due to their spreading shape. The Roman physician Celsus (25 BC - 50 AD) later translated this to "cancer," the Latin word for crab. Galen (130-200 AD) used the term oncos (meaning swelling) for tumors, which is now part of the term "oncologist."
Cancer in the Sixteenth to Eighteenth Centuries:
During the Renaissance, scientists like Galileo and Newton advanced the study of the human body. In 1628, Harvey's discovery of blood circulation paved the way for medical progress. In 1761, Giovanni Morgagni performed autopsies to connect diseases with post-mortem findings, founding scientific oncology. Scottish surgeon John Hunter (1728-1793) suggested some cancers could be treated by surgery, advocating for the removal of movable, non-invasive tumors. A century later, the development of anesthesia enabled the advancement of surgical techniques, including radical mastectomies. In the 17th and 18th centuries, pioneers such as Marco Aurelio Severino advanced the classification and treatment of tumors. By the 18th and 19th centuries, radical surgeries and the discovery of X-rays revolutionized cancer diagnosis and care.
Cancer in the Nineteenth Century
In the 19th century, scientific oncology emerged with the advent of the microscope, which enabled the study of diseased tissues. Rudolf Virchow, the founder of cellular pathology, linked microscopic findings to disease, building the foundation for modern cancer diagnosis. This method allowed for a deeper understanding of cancer and helped refine cancer surgery, enabling pathologists to confirm whether tumors were fully removed.
20th Century to Present Day
Since the mid-20th century, advances in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and anticancer drugs have significantly transformed cancer treatment. Discoveries like the link between tobacco and cancer and the 1953 revelation of DNA’s structure by Watson and Crick revolutionized our understanding of cancer causes and prevention.
Between 1970 and 1995, cancer care underwent significant advancements with the introduction of targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapy. Multimodal treatment and collaboration among specialists have become crucial to enhancing patient outcomes.
Between 1995 and 2025, significant progress was made in cancer treatment, marked by the introduction of targeted therapies, including anastrozole and trastuzumab, as well as immunotherapies such as ipilimumab and CAR T-cells. Key trials such as STEMVAC and TAILORx reshaped treatment strategies. Breakthroughs included the 2006 approval of the HPV vaccine, improved survival for children with neuroblastoma via immunotherapy in 2009, early lung cancer detection with low-dose CT scans in 2011, and CAR T-cell therapy achieving remission in blood cancers by 2016. In 2021, the FDA recognized the OncoKB database for personalized cancer treatment.
Types of Cancer
Cancer can be classified into different types based on the tissue or cell where they begin: Carcinomas (most common): This cancer begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
Adenocarcinoma: Starts in glandular cells called adenomatous cells. (e.g., breast, colon, prostate).
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Begins in the skin's basal layer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Forms in squamous cells, found in areas such as the skin or the lining of the throat or food pipe (esophagus).
Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Occurs in transitional epithelium (e.g., bladder, ureters, and part of the kidneys (renal pelvis).
Sarcomas: Cancers in bone and soft tissues (e.g., muscle, cartilage, fat, blood vessels).
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells. There are four common types of leukemia, which are grouped based on how quickly the disease progresses (acute or chronic) and on the type of blood cell the cancer originates from (lymphoblastic or myeloid).
Lymphoma: Cancers of lymphocytes (immune cells), including Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Multiple Myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells in bone marrow.
Breakthroughs in Cancer Therapy: Higher Survival Rates & Safer Treatments
Cancer treatment has made remarkable progress, bringing new hope and better outcomes for patients globally. In 2025, groundbreaking therapies and technologies continue to change the field of oncology. Here are some key advancements that everyone should be aware of:
Immunotherapy Innovations
Immunotherapy has advanced significantly in strengthening the immune system to fight cancer.
Next-Generation Checkpoint Inhibitors: These medications help the immune system more effectively recognize and target cancer cells.
CAR-T Cell Therapy: Initially for blood cancers, CAR-T therapy is now showing promise for treating solid tumors. It effectively treats certain lymphomas, leukemias, and multiple myeloma.
Individualized Approaches to Cancer Care
Customizes treatment based on a patient’s genetic profile, making it more effective with fewer side effects.
Genomic Testing: Detecting genetic mutations in tumors helps doctors choose targeted therapies.
Biomarker-Driven Therapies: Specific biomarkers guide treatment decisions, improving success and minimizing unnecessary treatments
Minimally Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Techniques)
These techniques involve smaller incisions and specialized tools to remove cancer, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery. With the addition of advanced methods, such as robotic surgery, precision has been significantly enhanced, enabling more complex cancer surgeries with shorter recovery times.
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines are a promising area in immunotherapy, designed to either prevent or treat cancer. Here's a quick overview:
Preventive Cancer Vaccines: These vaccines protect against viruses that can lead to cancer. For example:
The HPV vaccine reduces the risk of cervical, anal, and other cancers caused by the human papillomavirus.
The Hepatitis B vaccine lowers the risk of liver cancer by preventing hepatitis B infection.
Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines: These are used to treat existing cancers by training the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Examples include:
Sipuleucel-T, approved for advanced prostate cancer.
Experimental vaccines targeting tumor-associated antigens.
Oncolytic Virus Therapy: This innovative approach uses viruses engineered to infect and destroy cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Cancer vaccines are continually evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving their effectiveness and accessibility.
Advances in Radiation Therapies
Advances in radiation therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, offering innovative approaches that enhance precision, reduce side effects, and improve patient outcomes. Here’s a deeper look:
Precision Techniques:
Intensity-modulated radiation Therapy (IMRT) utilizes sophisticated algorithms to modulate radiation beams, enabling the delivery of high doses to cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
Proton Therapy employs charged particles for targeted treatment, which is especially beneficial for cancers near sensitive areas like the brain or spinal cord.
Image-guided radiation Therapy (IGRT) incorporates real-time imaging during treatment, ensuring that radiation is precisely delivered to the tumor, even as the patient or tumor shifts.
Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART):
This cutting-edge approach utilizes advanced imaging technology to dynamically adjust radiation doses based on tumor response and changes in patient anatomy, improving accuracy and minimizing unintended exposure to healthy tissue.
Shortened Treatment Durations:
Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy delivers higher doses over fewer sessions, making treatment more convenient and potentially more effective for certain types of cancer.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT):
In situations like breast or gastrointestinal cancers, IORT delivers a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the tumor site during surgery. This minimizes exposure to surrounding organs and tissues, reducing long-term side effects.
These advancements collectively underscore the role of personalized, precision-based approaches in modern oncology.
New Drug Developments are Reshaping Cancer Treatment
New drug developments are transforming cancer treatment by introducing highly specialized therapies that leverage the body's immune system and precision medicine. Here’s a closer look at targeted antibodies:
Monoclonal Antibodies:
These laboratory-engineered proteins are designed to identify and attach to specific markers on cancer cells. By blocking the activity of these cells, they prevent growth and division.
Some monoclonal antibodies are coupled with immune system enhancers to amplify the body's natural defense mechanisms, helping locate and destroy cancer cells.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs):
ADCs combine antibodies with potent anti-cancer drugs. The antibody guides the treatment directly to cancer cells, sparing healthy tissue and reducing side effects.
This targeted delivery system ensures the drug is explicitly released within cancer cells, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing collateral damage.
These innovations represent significant strides in precision oncology, offering tailored approaches that enhance treatment efficacy while improving patient quality of life.
Holistic Strategy in Cancer Care
A well-rounded approach to health is essential in cancer recovery, encompassing a balanced diet, regular physical activity, meditation, acupuncture, and a range of mind-body therapies. These practices work together to strengthen the body, promote healing, and enhance emotional well-being, which is crucial during this challenging time.
Good nutrition involves a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help support the immune system and overall health. Regular exercise, tailored to an individual's ability, can enhance physical strength, boost energy levels, and alleviate feelings of fatigue commonly associated with cancer treatments.
Meditation plays a significant role in managing stress and anxiety, providing a mental respite that can improve mood and foster a sense of peace. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, may help alleviate some physical symptoms of cancer or side effects from treatment, such as pain and nausea.
Additionally, mind-body therapies can provide valuable support during recovery. Techniques such as hypnosis may help patients cope with fear and anxiety, while massage can help relieve tension in the body, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Music therapy can provide emotional support and enhance mood, while relaxation exercises can help individuals find calm amidst the chaos.
Practices such as yoga not only improve flexibility and strength but also promote mindfulness and relaxation, which can be beneficial in managing stress and emotional challenges. Ultimately, aromatherapy utilizes essential oils to create a calming environment that can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Overall, integrating these various techniques can significantly contribute to reducing the physical and emotional burdens that often accompany cancer treatment, enhancing the overall quality of life during recovery.
Exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Oncology Today
Artificial Intelligence utilizes computers to learn from large datasets, identify patterns, and make predictions.
It is helpful to understand how cancer develops, analyze research papers, and study key cancer-related proteins, such as RAS, which are commonly mutated proteins in cancer.
Speeds up cancer detection by analyzing biopsy images, reading mammograms, predicting future risk, and aiding cancer screening using deep learning.
Aids drug discovery by designing new drugs, reusing old ones, predicting T cell responses to tumors, and analyzing drug effects on cells for improved treatments.
Matches treatments to tumor types, aids in tumor identification during surgery, and combines image and gene data to predict outcomes.
Speeds up data collection, predicts cancer risks like pancreatic cancer and examines social factors in care.
Offer cancer information and support, helping to reduce healthcare disparities.
Understanding Cancer Symptoms and Guide for Early Detection
Cancer symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. As it grows, it may press on nearby organs, causing symptoms.
Unexpected weight gain or loss exceeding 10 pounds.
Ongoing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
Persistent fever or unexplained night sweats.
Persistent digestive changes like diarrhea and constipation.
Presence of blood in stool and urine.
A thickening or lump in any part of the body, such as a breast.
Ongoing nagging cough or a hoarse voice that won’t go away.
Skin changes include bleeding lumps, new or changing moles (in terms of size, diameter, color, and symmetry), non-healing sores, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Unusual bleeding, bruising and discharge for no known reason
Eating problems like loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion, belly pain, or nausea and vomiting.
Persistent or unexplained pain, especially if it worsens over time.
Other conditions can also cause these symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor. If symptoms don’t go away, get them checked on time.
Barriers to Accessing Early Cancer Treatment
Accessing early cancer treatment is often hindered by a range of systemic, social, and economic barriers. Here are some key challenges:
Limited Awareness & Knowledge – Many people are unaware of cancer symptoms, leading to delays in seeking medical help.
Delayed Screening & Diagnosis – Without regular screenings, cancer is often detected at later stages when treatment is less effective.
Fear of Diagnosis & Treatment – Anxiety about potential results and treatment side effects can cause people to delay seeking care.
Cultural Beliefs & Stigma – Fear, reliance on traditional medicine, and social stigma prevent timely diagnosis and treatment.
Financial Barriers – High medical costs, lack of income during treatment, and expensive screenings make cancer care inaccessible for many.
Choosing the right insurance provider and navigating complex health insurance plans. Additionally, lack of insurance leads to lower screening rates and limited access to care.
Poor Healthcare Access – Rural and underserved areas often lack cancer screening and treatment facilities.
Facts: Based on data from the American Cancer Society: |
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Final Thought
Cancer has affected humanity for thousands of years, but it is only in recent centuries that our understanding of the disease has undergone significant advancements. Breakthroughs in research continue to shape the future of cancer treatments, with substantial progress made in recent decades. Although cancer remains one of the leading global causes of death, early detection is key to saving lives. The latest advancements in treatment offer renewed hope in 2025, improving effectiveness and enhancing quality of life. Every cancer journey is unique, and the most powerful factors in overcoming it are timely treatment, a resilient mindset, and steadfast support from family and healthcare teams. With these, fear is transformed into strength and uncertainty into hope.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is cancer contagious?
No, cancer is not contagious —you can’t catch it from someone who has it. Being around or touching a cancer patient won’t spread the disease. Cancer patients need love and support, not isolation.
How is the cancer stage determined?
Most cancers have four stages. The specific stage is determined by several factors, including the tumor’s size and location.
Stage I – A small, early-stage tumor that hasn’t spread deeply into nearby tissues.
Stages II-III – Cancer has grown into surrounding tissues or spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to other organs. This is called early-stage or locally advanced cancer.
Stage IV (Metastatic Cancer) – Cancer has spread to distant organs through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
What are some common cancer risk factors?
There isn’t one single cause for cancer. Common risk factors are:
Age: Most cancers occur in people over 65.
Family history: Certain inherited genetic changes increase the risk of cancer.
Medical history: Certain conditions, like colon polyps or abnormal breast cells, raise cancer risk.
Tobacco use: Smoking or exposure to smoke increases cancer risk.
Sun exposure: Ultraviolet rays from the sun, tanning booths, or sunlamps can cause skin cancer.
Hormones: Hormone therapy after menopause may raise breast cancer risk.
Alcohol: Heavy drinking increases the risk of several cancers.
Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity contribute to cancer risk.
Environment: Exposure to radon, asbestos, or chemicals can increase risk.
Viruses & Bacteria: Human Papilloma Virus and Helicobacter. H. pylori infections can lead to certain types of cancer.
What are the factors that can affect prognosis?
Your overall health and immunity affect how well you fight cancer.
The type of cancer you have influences treatment and its recovery.
The stage of cancer and whether it has spread (metastasis) are crucial factors.
Your body’s response to treatment can vary from person to person.
Regular follow-up and health monitoring are essential for better outcomes.
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About Dr. Grishma Wosti, MBBS
Born and raised in Nepal, a scenic Himalayan country, I earned a medical degree and invaluable clinical experience in rural areas, fostering strong communication and leadership skills. An approachable and positive personality shines through, with a passion for cooking, singing, and bicycle riding that adds vibrancy to life outside of medicine—preparing for the USMLE exams to pursue a medical residency in the United States.
