Ancient physicians, also referred to as apothecaries, have been documenting breast cancer for thousands of years. Although ancient civilizations didn’t understand its nature or origin, records describe how the disease affected people in different eras and societies. The discoveries across centuries shaped treatments and outlooks for millions today.
This timeline of breast cancer’s history traces the medical, scientific, and cultural advancements that have transformed how we comprehend and manage the disease.
Breast Cancer in the Ancient World (3000 BCE – 400 CE)
The earliest chronicles of breast cancer date back to antiquated societies. These archives reveal how people of that time observed and attempted to treat the complex illness.
Early Findings in Ancient Egypt
In 3000 BCE, Egyptian medical texts, such as the Edwin Smith Papyrus, provided one of the first descriptions of breast tumors. These medical treatises described “bulging tumors of the breast” and noted that there was “no treatment” for the hard masses.
Did you know: Researchers in Egypt have allegedly found the oldest case of breast cancer in the 4,200-year-old remains of an Egyptian woman. The discovery challenged the common belief that cancer is primarily a disease linked to contemporary lifestyles, which include being sedentary.
Ancient Greece
In Ancient Greece (460–370 BCE), Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine,” introduced the “humoral theory,” believing that ailments like cancer occur due to imbalances in bodily fluids or “humors.” Hippocrates associated breast cancer with an excess of “black bile,” a viewpoint that persisted for centuries. This early theory grounded disease understanding in terms of body systems, although it offered little in terms of practical treatment for cancer.
Did you know: Historians credit Hippocrates with coining the term “cancer” or “karkinoma,” which is the Greek word for “crab.” He chose this name because he noticed that a tumor’s central mass resembled a crab’s body, with its extending veins appearing like legs.
Ancient Rome
By 200 CE, physician Galen expanded on Hippocrates’ humoral theory. He also correlated breast cancer with an excess of black bile, but unlike Hippocrates, Galen suggested that breast cancer might be a systemic disease that affects the body as a whole rather than just the breast. While lacking modern understanding, Galen’s observations shed light on the visible characteristics of breast tumors, such as their hardness and tendency to ulcerate. His work recommended poultices and other remedies to alleviate symptoms, though most of his treatments are ineffective and controversial by today’s standards.
Did you know: Galen believed that melancholia or severe depression was one of breast cancer’s causes. His prescribed treatments included herbs, special diets, and exorcism.
Despite the limited knowledge of cancer’s causes or treatments, these early observations from Egypt, Greece, and Rome helped identify and document breast cancer’s signs and symptoms. This period laid the groundwork for future generations to pursue a deeper understanding and, ultimately, more effective treatments.
Breast Cancer in the Middle Ages and Renaissance (400 – 1600)
During the Middle Ages (400 – 1400), some cultures believed breast cancer and similar diseases were punishments for sins or moral failings. This superstition led many to seek cures through prayer, penance, or pilgrimage rather than medical treatment. Furthermore, due to prohibitions on dissection, progress in medical knowledge slowed. Physicians relied on ancient texts, mainly the teachings of Galen, and often lacked new anatomical insights.
Did you know: Society, including health practitioners at the time, stigmatized women with visible breast tumors. People did not understand diseases from a scientific standpoint and often linked them to social or moral impurity. This lack of support and knowledge further isolated those affected.
Early Renaissance (1400 – 1500)
The Renaissance sparked a renewed interest in studying the human body. Though breast cancer treatment remained primitive, physicians shifted their focus to observation and documentation over baseless interpretations. As scholars revisited and translated ancient Greek and Roman texts, medical professionals regained access to past insights on cancer. However, treatment options for breast cancer remained limited and mostly ineffective.
Late Renaissance (1500 – 1600)
The 16th century saw trailblazing anatomical work by Vesalius, who disputed Galenic teachings and promoted hands-on dissection. Often deemed the “founder of modern human anatomy,” his research formed the basis for understanding human anatomy, although breast cancer remained poorly understood.
With Vesaliu encouraging a more empirical approach to medicine, surgeons like Ambroise Paré began exploring surgical techniques, albeit breast cancer surgery remained primitive and risky. The lack of anesthetics and antiseptics meant surgery was an excruciating last resort limited to extreme cases.
During this time, some physicians began to suspect that tumors might originate from a buildup of bodily waste or an imbalance within the body’s “humors.” This idea expanded on Hippocrates’ humoral theory with a new focus on localized causes.
Did you know: A study published in The Lancet Oncology suggests women illustrated in ancient art exhibited signs of breast cancer. Specifically, scientists noticed images of malignant breast cancer in Michele di Rodolfo del Ghirlandaio’s “The Night” and in Maso di San Friano’s “The Allegory of Fortitude.”
Enlightenment and Early Scientific Study (1700 – 1800)
The Enlightenment era brought a more scientific approach to medicine. Physicians began to see cancer as a localized disease rather than a body-wide imbalance. Doctors like Jean-Louis Petit and Henri Le Dran advocated for the surgical removal of tumors, which marked an early shift toward interventionist treatments. However, without anesthesia or antiseptics, surgical procedures were brutal and life-threatening. This period also saw the birth of pathology, as scientists studied tissue samples to understand cancer’s structure.
The 19th Century: Surgical Advancements and Pathology (1800 – 1900)
In the 19th century, advances in anesthesia and antiseptics made surgeries safer than ever. On top of preventing patients from experiencing pain during invasive procedures, American surgeon William Halsted developed the radical mastectomy in 1882, which removed the breast, chest muscles, and lymph nodes to mitigate cancer metastasis. This technique became the standard treatment for nearly a century. Meanwhile, pathology continued to evolve, as scientists identified cancer cells under the microscope and distinguished different types of tumors. This new focus on cellular structures helped shape modern cancer diagnostics and treatment strategies.
The 20th Century: Age of Radiation and Chemotherapy (1900 – 1990)
The 20th century introduced the most used conventional treatments for breast cancer and other malignancies: radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
After Pierre and Marie Curie discovered radium in 1898, doctors began using radiation to shrink breast tumors by the early 1900s. Fast forward to the 1940s, researchers identified the role of hormones in breast cancer, which led to the development of hormone-blocking cancer therapies like tamoxifen. Chemotherapy followed in the 1950s and targeted rapidly dividing cells, including malignant organisms.
By the 1970s, the surgical removal of a portion or “lump” of breast tissue (lumpectomy) gained acceptance, as studies showed they could be as effective as radical mastectomies without completely altering the breast’s appearance.
Late 20th and Early 21st Century: Precision Oncology and Genetic Findings (1990 – Present)
Discovering breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 in 1994 and 1995, respectively, enabled risk assessment and preventive measures for high-risk patients. These findings introduced genetic testing as a tool for individuals to evaluate their cancer risk and make informed decisions about prevention or treatment.
Around the same time, Nobel Prize-winning scientists Shepard, Slamon, and Ullrich pioneered targeted therapies like Herceptin for HER2-positive breast cancer, which improved survival rates and marked the beginning of precision oncology—the future of cancer care. The anticancer drug has already saved about three million lives by targeting a distinct genetic alteration.
Advances in cancer imaging technology, such as MRI and digital mammography, improved early detection, while immunotherapy and AI-driven diagnostics further enhanced treatment options. Today, these innovations represent a more individualized approach to care, as they focus on the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer and drive breast cancer research forward.
Modern Awareness, Advocacy, and Global Impact
Recently, we have seen a surge in breast cancer awareness, with organizations and campaigns bringing global attention to the cause. Advocacy groups have improved education, funding, and support systems, especially in high-income countries. However, access to quality breast cancer treatment remains a challenge in many parts of the world with limited resources. Even middle- and low-income families in the United States struggle to afford healthcare. Efforts continue to bridge these disparities and achieve better outcomes worldwide.
Reflections on the History of Breast Cancer
Over centuries, our approach to breast cancer has shifted from rudimentary observations to the precision and personalization in care we see today. Each era contributed valuable insights, from foundational surgical methods to breakthroughs in genetic testing and targeted therapies. With ongoing dedication, each step brings us closer to potential cures.
If you have breast cancer and are exploring less invasive treatment options like immunotherapy, contact New Hope Unlimited to learn more about innovative approaches tailored to your needs.
