History of prostate cancer

First described in 1536 by Venetian anatomist Niccolo Massa and illustrated by Flemish anatomist Andreas Vesalius in 1538, prostate cancer was officially identified in 1853. It was considered to be a rare disease possibly because there were shorter life expectancies and poorer detection methods during the 19th century. There have been a number of attempts to cure the disease over the years, with radiation therapy finally making the scene in early 20th century.