Before the Mammogram - Breast Cancer’s Past is a fascinating exploration of how breast cancer was understood and treated in the ancient world. From the earliest records in Egyptian papyri to the influential teachings of Hippocrates and Galen, this podcast unpacks the evolution of medical thought and the enduring quest to combat this disease.

In antiquity, physicians believed illness stemmed from imbalances in bodily fluids, with black bile blamed for cancer. Surgical attempts ranged from crude excisions to the meticulous techniques of Leonidas of Alexandria, who first described nipple retraction as a key sign of malignancy. Cauterization, bloodletting, herbal remedies, and dietary changes were common treatments, often guided more by philosophy than science.

Through vivid storytelling and historical insights, this podc ...