Ancient Egyptian physicians may have performed surgery to treat cancer over 4,000 years ago, as suggested by cut marks found on a skull dating back to between 2686 BC and 2345 BC.

The discovery challenges previous timelines of cancer treatment by up to 1,000 years and highlights the advanced medical knowledge of ancient Egyptians.

Another skull from the same collection also showed evidence of cancer, indicating the prevalence of the disease in ancient times.

This research adds a new chapter to cancer's history and underscores the importance of studying ancient medical practices using modern scientific techniques.

The findings emphasize the proactive approach of ancient Egyptians in understanding and potentially treating cancer, showcasing the sophistication of their medical practices.