Interestingly, cancer is not a modern plague. Evidence of bone tumors has been found in dinosaur fossils dating back 240 million years. The name itself originates from the Greek physician Hippocrates, who used the word karkinos (crab) to describe the way certain tumors looked with their finger-like spreading veins, which reminded him of a crab's legs. The earliest known human record of the disease appears in the from approximately 1600 B.C., which described breast tumors but grimly noted there was "no treatment". Surprising Truths About the Disease
While the word can be frightening, modern research has uncovered fascinating and often hopeful realities: CANCER
Contrary to popular belief, only about 5–10% of cancers are entirely hereditary. Most are "spontaneous," caused by a mix of environment and the natural effects of aging on our DNA. Interestingly, cancer is not a modern plague
Experts believe that up to half of all cancers are preventable through lifestyle choices like avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, and protecting skin from UV radiation. The earliest known human record of the disease
Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis; it is a complex "biography" of our own biology. At its simplest, it occurs when the body's natural instructions for growth and repair go awry, causing cells to ignore the signals to stop dividing and instead multiply uncontrollably. The Ancient History of the "Crab"
Cancer is not one single disease but an umbrella term for more than 200 different types and subtypes, each requiring a tailored approach. The Human Perspective
Not every creature is vulnerable. The naked mole rat is famously resistant to cancer thanks to a high concentration of hyaluronan in its body, a discovery that scientists are studying to find new human treatments.