The Evolution of Cancer Treatment
Cancer has been recognised for thousands of years. The earliest known record dates to around 3000 BCE in ancient Egypt, where a tumour of the breast was described in the Edwin Smith Papyrus. Later, between 460 and 370 BCE, the Greek physician Hippocrates used the words carcinos and carcinoma because he believed some tumours resembled a crab.
Today, our understanding of cancer has grown enormously. We now know that cancer is not a single disease but a group of diseases that can develop in different parts of the body. They are classified according to where they begin and the type of cells involved. Some examples include:
- Adenocarcinomas – cancers that begin in glandular tissue, such as the breast, bowel or prostate.
- Squamous cell carcinomas – cancers that develop in the skin or the lining of the mouth, throat and oesophagus.
- Transitional cell carcinomas – cancers that arise in the bladder and urinary tract.
- Sarcomas – cancers that develop in bone, cartilage, fat or muscle.
- Leukaemias and lymphomas – cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system.
- Germ cell tumours – cancers that develop in the testes or ovaries.
- Blastomas – rare childhood cancers that can affect the nervous system, eyes, kidneys or liver.
Understanding What Causes Cancer
Throughout history, people have searched for answers about what causes cancer. In ancient Egypt it was thought to be the work of the gods, while the ancient Greeks believed it resulted from an imbalance of the body’s fluids. Between the 1500s and 1700s, theories included problems with the lymphatic system, chronic inflammation, injury and even infections passed from person to person.
Today, we know that cancer usually develops because of a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures and individual biological factors can all play a role.
Advances in Diagnosis
One of the greatest advances in cancer care has been our ability to diagnose cancer earlier and more accurately. The development of pathology, beginning with the work of Giovanni Morgagni in the 1700s and later the invention of the microscope, transformed our understanding of how diseases affect cells.
Modern diagnostic tools such as pathology, X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasound now help doctors determine:
- The type of cancer
- How aggressive it is (its grade)
- Whether hormones are driving its growth
- How far it has spread (its stage, from I to IV)
This information helps guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes.
How Cancer Treatment Has Changed
Surgery has been used to treat cancer for centuries. In ancient times, operations were performed without anaesthesia or infection control, making them extremely risky. By the late 1800s, surgery became more effective but was often very extensive and could leave patients with significant long-term effects.
Today, cancer surgery is far more precise. Advances in imaging, surgical techniques and robotic technology allow surgeons to remove cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Surgery also provides tissue samples that help confirm the diagnosis and guide ongoing treatment.
Modern Cancer Therapies
Cancer treatment has expanded well beyond surgery. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may include:
- Hormone therapy for hormone-sensitive cancers.
- Radiation therapy to treat localised tumours.
- Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells throughout the body or reduce tumour size before surgery.
- Stem cell or bone marrow transplantation for some blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
- Targeted therapies that focus on specific changes within cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy, which helps the body’s own immune system recognise and attack cancer. This includes treatments such as monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy for some blood cancers, and tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for selected solid tumours.
These treatments are the result of decades of scientific research and continue to improve survival and quality of life for many people living with cancer.
Research Continues to Drive Progress
Cancer research is constantly advancing, bringing new hope to people diagnosed with cancer. Australian organisations such as Breast Cancer Trials, the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF), Cancer Council and the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship continue to fund and investigate new treatments, improve existing therapies and enhance survivorship.
Many organisations also provide practical and emotional support for people affected by cancer, including the Leukaemia Foundation, Lung Foundation Australia, Cancer Council, Bowel Cancer Australia and Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Support Beyond Treatment
Thanks to ongoing advances in research, diagnosis and treatment, more people are living longer after a cancer diagnosis than ever before. Alongside medical care, support services now play an important role in helping people manage the physical, emotional, social, practical and spiritual challenges that cancer can bring.
At Bloomhill Cancer Care, we understand that cancer affects every aspect of life—not just physical health. Our experienced team offers a wide range of supportive care services designed to help individuals and their families throughout treatment and into recovery.
If you or someone you care about would like to learn more about the support available, please speak with one of the Bloomhill Cancer Care nurses. We are here to help you navigate your cancer journey with information, care and compassionate support.
References
American Cancer Society. (2026). A Brief history of cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/history-of-cancer.html
Mayo Clinic. (2026). Bone marrow transplant. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/about/pac-20384854
Wikipedia. (2026). List of cancer types. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cancer_types
Please contact our Nurses on 07 5445 5794 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
All information provided by Bloomhill is mainly based on research from the Qld Cancer Council and best practice guidelines. Our model of care utilizes the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) domains of wellness along with available clinical evidence. Always consult your care team regarding matters that affect your health. This is a guide intended for information only.
