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Ancient Physicians Struggle to Understand Cancer

Follow @Nate_WekSDPB

The history of cancer goes back to the ancient Egyptian times, when illnesses and cures were written out and described on walls or papyri. Cancer comes from the Greek word “carcinos,” which means crab. The Greeks also had experiences with cancer around 1600 B.C. Most Greek traditions were against opening up a body, so a lot of the descriptions during this era were observations seen on the surface. One of the more chilling pieces of evidence found in regards to Cancer is how to cure it. The text simply said, “There is none…”

Nate Wek is currently the sports content producer and sports and rec beat reporter for South Dakota Public Broadcasting. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism Broadcasting and a minor in Leadership. From 2010-2013 Nate was the Director of Gameday Media for the Sioux Falls Storm (Indoor Football League) football team. He also spent 2012 and 2013 as the News and Sports Director of KSDJ Radio in Brookings, SD. Nate, his wife Sarah, and three sons, Braxan, Jordy, and Anders live in Canton, SD.