The Incidence of Cancer in Ancient Times

Questions about the incidence of cancer in ancient times often lead us to explore the living conditions, diets, and general health of our ancestors. While we cannot provide exact statistics, we can infer trends and correlations based on available historical data and archaeological findings.

Diets and Health in Ancient Times

Before the time of Christ, ancient diets were predominantly vegetarian. Major staples included unleavened stone-ground bread, legumes like lentils, vegetable sprouts, and an abundance of leafy greens. Meat was consumed very rarely, often reserved for special occasions, such as a fattened calf killed annually. The purity of water during biblical times cannot be understated; it was likely uncontaminated compared to today’s tap water and modern supermarkets did not exist.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

The environments and lifestyles of ancient people contributed significantly to their health. Unlike today, they did not face the challenges of modern urban environments, including air and water pollution, synthetic hormones, processed foods, and sedentary lifestyles. These factors are known carcinogens, increasing the risk of various types of cancer. In ancient times, these risks were virtually non-existent, suggesting that cancer was likely a much rarer occurrence.

Archaeological and Historical Evidence

Despite the rarity of cancer in ancient times, evidence does suggest that it was recognized and described. For instance, the Edwin Smith Papyrus, dating back about 5000 years (3000 BC), provides a detailed account of breast cancer, noting that there was no known cure. Similarly, archaeological findings of mummies with bone cancer further support the existence of this condition long ago.

Age-Related Trends in Cancer

Cancer rates are strongly correlated with age. According to modern medical studies, the peak cancer rate is seen in patients aged 85-89 years, while one-third of cancers are diagnosed in those over 74 years old. This trend aligns with the increasing average lifespan. In the past, fewer individuals reached advanced old age. The US government determined the retirement age at 65 in 1935, recognizing the positive impact of improved health on longevity.

Healthcare and Access in Ancient Societies

Those who lived in ancient societies that had access to better diets, healthcare, and longer lifespans, such as the wealthy, had a greater chance of developing cancer. Thus, while cancer was known and described in the ancient world, it was likely a rarer occurrence primarily affecting those with more favorable life circumstances.

Notably, the strict quarantine procedures prescribed in the Bible were unprecedented in the ancient world, further emphasizing the unique knowledge and practices developed to combat infectious diseases.