In the early nineteenth century in the United States, cancer in the breast was a rare disease. Now it seems that breast cancer is everywhere. Written by a medical historian who is also a doctor, Unnatural History tells how and why this happened.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 285-345) and index.

Cancer in the breast, 1813 -- Pessimism and promise -- Taking responsibility for cancer -- Living at risk -- "Do not delay" : the war against time -- "Prophets of doom" : skeptics of the cancer establishment at mid- century -- Balancing hope, trust, and truth : Rachel Carson -- The rise of surveillance -- Crisis in prevention -- Breast cancer risk : "waiting for the axe to fall.".