10/29/2023 0 Comments Edwin smith papyrus author![]() that scientists could finally begin to understand the role of genetics in breast cancer. It wasn’t until the mid 20th century, with the discovery of DNA The part of every cell that carries out genetic information on cell growth, division, and function. compression from tight clothing, which formed the basis of the bra mythīy the 19 th century, the hopelessness of not knowing gave rise to a wave of psychological theories such as surgeon John Rodman’s bizarre suggestion that breast cancer was simply the fear of cancer.repressed or over-indulged sexual urges.blockages of the lymph glands An organ in the human or animal body which releases particular chemical substances for use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings.In the 17 th and 18 th centuries, lots of possible causes of breast cancer were suggested: The Ancient Greeks, for example, believed that imbalances of bodily humors (fluids, especially black bile) were responsible for breast cancer.īut many other historic theories do still influence modern thought, with remnants of early beliefs left behind to form common breast cancer myths. Some of the earliest theories have long since fallen by the wayside. Throughout the ages, nobody has really been sure what causes breast cancer. Women used to have more children at a younger age and breastfed for longer, all factors which lower the risk of breast cancer.Breast cancer develops more amongst older women, so this increase in life expectancy could be skewing perceptions. Up until the 19 th century, people died younger.Women are more likely to receive routine clinical breast examinations at their doctors’ office, inevitably meaning that more cases are identified. More women are “breast aware.” Nowadays, women are more likely to perform breast self-examinations and get mammograms if they suspect that something is wrong.We have much better diagnostic capabilities today so more cases are identified.It is very hard to tell whether breast cancer is actually more common in today’s society, or whether our perception is skewed. You’ve probably heard people remarking how there seem to be many more cases of cancer around these days than there used to be. Because breast cancer is quite outwardly visible in its most advanced state (seldom reached today thanks to modern medicine) it frequently captured the vision and imagination of our ancestors enough for them to record it. Skeletal remains of a 2,700 year old Russian King and a 2,200 year old Egyptian mummy have both been diagnosed with prostate cancers.īreast cancer can also be traced right back to ancient Egypt, with the earliest recorded case described on the 1600 BC Edwin Smith Papyrus. ![]() To the contrary: cancer has probably been around as long as humans. This mammogram A low dose x-ray picture of the breast that allows a doctor to view glandular tissue and determine the presence of cancer., showing an abnormality in the breast, is the modern way to diagnose breast cancer.
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