Background and Historical Development Of Cancer
Cancer is normally defined as an automated, abnormal growth of human body cells that result into neoformations. (ASC, 2012, p. 1) History of oncology traces its roots back to ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. Methods to treat tumors were partially described in an old manuscripts and treatises. Now these methods seem primitive, but aspiration to treat this disease deserves admiration. Doctors of antiquity applied the methods of cauterization, cutting-off tumors, amputation of extremities, also infusions and herbal broths.
Referring to DeVita and Chu (2008) history of oncology got the certain development after the microscope invention and experiments on animals. In 1900s, a well-known German chemist Paul Ehrlich had set a drug development to treat cancer. He was the one who proposed the term “chemotherapy”.
The background of the cancer, as it was discovered in 1915 is carcinogen. The most harmful and wide spread deferent for it - is tobacco.
At the final decades of 20th century the new term as “exploratory surgery” appeared. It was devoted to take samples of tissue for defining the issue more precisely. “Starting in the 1970s, progress in ultrasound (sonography), computed tomography (CT scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scans), and positron emission tomography (PET scans) have replaced many exploratory operations.” (ASC, 2012, p. 8)
Since 1990 till today the mortality of cancer has significantly declined. With the technical equipment and treaties proposed – curing became more effective and affordable for average people.
Reference page:
American Cancer Society, (2012). The History of Cancer. Last Medical Review: 6/8/2012
DeVita, V. T. and Chu, E., (2008). A History of Cancer Chemotherapy. Cancer Res November 1, 2008 68; 8643
National Institutes of Health, (2013). The NIH Almanac. NIHTurning Discovery Into Health.
