Disir
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- Sep 30, 2011
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"Our oldest description of cancer (although the word cancer was not used) was discovered in Egypt and dates back to about 3000 BC. It’s called the Edwin Smith Papyrus and is a copy of part of an ancient Egyptian textbook on trauma surgery. It describes eight cases of tumors or ulcers of the breast that were removed by cauterization with a tool called the fire drill," reads a posting on Cancer.org.
The textbook also added that there is no treatment for the affliction.
What may comes as a surprise, however, is how common cancer indeed was during medieval times. Researchers have largely assumed that cancer is a more common recent phenomenon dating back to the 18th century which worsened as the human lifespan lengthened.
However, this new study is revealing that cancer may have been commonplace throughout history. The scientists also added that diagnosing cancer in those who had been dead a long time was difficult and that there were too few samples to work with due to the limited geographic range.
Because how would you know, right?! That's a bit of interesting information.
The textbook also added that there is no treatment for the affliction.
What may comes as a surprise, however, is how common cancer indeed was during medieval times. Researchers have largely assumed that cancer is a more common recent phenomenon dating back to the 18th century which worsened as the human lifespan lengthened.
However, this new study is revealing that cancer may have been commonplace throughout history. The scientists also added that diagnosing cancer in those who had been dead a long time was difficult and that there were too few samples to work with due to the limited geographic range.
Cancer Was Common Even in Medieval Times, Study Suggests - Interesting Engineering
Between 9 to 14% of adults in medieval Britain had cancer at the time of their death, long before today's environmental factors started playing a role.
interestingengineering.com
Because how would you know, right?! That's a bit of interesting information.