Cancer, one of the world’s largest causes of death. Every sixth death around the globe is due to cancer. The disease has been outsmarting doctors since the beginning, so how do we outsmart it?
History of Cancer
Cancer, the origin of the name credited to the Greek Physician Hippocrates, also known as the “Father of Medicine”. Hippocrates used the Greek words for crab, carcinos, and carcinoma, to describe non-ulcer-forming and ulcer-forming tumors, most likely because of the shape of the virus and its resemblance to a crab.
The disease dates back to 3000BC, “Some of the earliest evidence of cancer is found among fossilized bone tumors, human mummies in ancient Egypt, and ancient manuscripts. Growths suggestive of the bone cancer called osteosarcoma have been seen in mummies. Bony skull destruction as seen in cancer of the head and neck has been found, too.” The ASC explains.
An ancient Egyptian trauma surgery textbook describes 8 cases of tumors and ulcers that were removed by cauterization, concluding that, “There is no treatment”.
What is Cancer?
The National Cancer Institute defines it as; “…a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.”
Cancer is a disease that directly affects the genes, identified through changes to the genes that control the way our cells function.
The American Cancer Society
“The American Cancer Society is the largest nonprofit funder of cancer research in the United States outside of the federal government.”
The American Cancer Society
Founded in 1913 by 10 doctors and 5 laypeople in New York City, originally named The American Society for the Control of Cancer, (ASCC).
At the time, a cancer diagnosis meant certain death. Doctors would withhold the diagnosis from their patients. If they did know, most patients never told their loved ones.
Since 1946 the ACS has invested more than $5 billion into cancer research. Working to uncover the truth behind what causes it, as well as improving treatment for patients.
Developing new ways to fight cancer, and creating awareness
Relay For Life at Cortland
Relay For Life is a community-based fundraising event for the American Cancer Society and is the world’s largest peer-to-peer cancer fundraising event. It is community of like-minded survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and participants who believe that the future can be free from cancer
On Saturday, March 25 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Lusk Field House, SUNY Cortland will be holding Relay For Life. Funds will be obtained through games, snacks, inflatables, and a walk.