TL;DR: Why Some Doctors Advocate Not Treating Certain Cancers
Not all cancers require aggressive treatment. Studies reveal that some slow-growing cancers in organs like the prostate, thyroid, and breast may remain harmless for a lifetime. Overdiagnosis from frequent screenings leads to unnecessary stress and treatments. Instead, many patients thrive under active surveillance coupled with healthy lifestyle changes, such as a nutrient-rich diet emphasizing vegetables, whole grains, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
• Overdiagnosis is common in advanced screening systems, often detecting cancers that would never become life-threatening.
• Active surveillance with healthier eating, stress management, and exercise supports patient outcomes without aggressive therapies.
• Malta’s Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, fresh produce, and olive oil, aligns perfectly with these health-focused approaches.
Explore Malta’s best health-conscious dining options on MELA AI to support your body’s natural resilience through smart eating.
Why Some Doctors Are Saying Certain Cancers Shouldn’t Be Treated
Recent health discussions among oncologists and researchers have taken a surprising turn. Some cancers, particularly those that grow slowly or remain localized, may not need aggressive treatment at all. This perspective isn’t just bold; it challenges deeply ingrained beliefs in cancer care. Could certain cancers truly be left untreated? Let’s dive into the science, its implications, and what it means for patients and caregivers.
What Did Researchers Discover About These “Untreatable” Cancers?
Scientists have identified that not all cancers are the same when it comes to danger levels. A growing body of research, including insights from the American Association for Cancer Research, highlights that slow-growing cancers, commonly found in organs like the prostate, thyroid, and breast, might not spread or cause harm over a person’s lifespan.
One study explained a concerning reality: aggressive screening often identifies cancers that would remain inactive. These cases, referred to as overdiagnosis, have led many patients into unnecessary stress, invasive procedures, and harmful side effects from treatments they didn’t even need.
But here’s the kicker: studies also show that patients with certain types of “non-threatening” cancers, like some early-stage prostate or thyroid cancers, can thrive under close observation, often called active surveillance. These findings are urging cancer professionals to rethink treatment protocols.
Should You Worry About Overdiagnosis?
Overdiagnosis is proving detrimental, especially in countries with advanced screening systems. According to Cancer Research UK, frequent checks and imaging technologies sometimes categorize harmless cell abnormalities as cancer. While these cells may exhibit unusual patterns or growth, they often do not lead to malignancy, symptoms, or death.
For example:
- Thyroid cancer diagnoses spiked worldwide over several decades, yet mortality rates stayed flat. Why? Many of the “cancers” detected were harmless nodules.
- Prostate cancer screening often detects low-grade cancer cells that may never culminate into a full-blown disease, but fear prompts treatments like surgery or radiation.
Instead of jumping into aggressive therapies, some practitioners now recommend observation paired with healthier lifestyle habits, emphasizing nutrient-rich diets, moderate exercise, and stress management as proactive approaches to caregiving.
How Could Food and Nutrition Play a Role in Cancer Surveillance?
There’s one undeniable truth about human health: what you eat directly impacts disease prevention and cellular repair. Interestingly, several dietary factors influence cancer growth trajectories, particularly in slow-growing cancers flagged as potential candidates for minimal intervention.
Foods That Could Help Reduce Cancer Risk or Support Active Surveillance:
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower contain sulforaphane, a compound shown to fight cancer cells while supporting general cellular health.
- Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Blueberries, spinach, and artichokes protect DNA from harmful oxidative stress.
- Turmeric: The active compound curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and may inhibit tumor progression.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in salmon and chia seeds, these promote healthy cell membranes and may slow abnormal growth in low-risk cancers.
- Whole Grains: Barley and quinoa contain fibers that bind potential carcinogens during digestion.
Luckily, diners in Malta have robust access to nutrient-dense, Mediterranean staples that fit perfectly into this narrative. Many traditional Maltese dishes include omega-rich fish, fresh vegetables, and olive oil, all ingredients scientifically tied to reduced cancer risks.
Dining Smart in Malta: What This Science Means for Your Restaurant Choices
Healthy eating isn’t just about avoiding junk food; it’s about choosing meals aligned with your body’s long-term health needs. For locals and tourists in Malta, restaurants crafting meals with fresh, minimally-processed Mediterranean ingredients provide a delicious way to support preventive health.
What Diners Should Look For on Menus:
- Naturally prepared fish dishes like grilled salmon or sea bass.
- Salads rich in leafy greens, almonds, and citrus dressings.
- Vegetable-forward sides featuring tomatoes, artichokes, eggplants, and onions.
- Herb-infused sauces such as basil pesto or tahini dressings.
Many restaurants across the islands are beginning to feature ingredients linked to disease prevention. To find options tailored to your health needs, check out health-focused eateries on MELA AI. The platform is a perfect resource for exploring Malta’s best offerings of nutrient-dense, science-backed cuisines.
What Science Hasn’t Solved Yet
It’s important to balance medical optimism with critical safeguards. While active surveillance can be effective for select cancers, it’s not universally appropriate. Critical gaps in research still exist:
- Individual Variability: Every patient’s biology responds differently to surveillance versus treatment. What works for one may fail for another.
- Progression Prediction: Scientists are still refining methods to predict which cancers are truly harmless.
Additionally, doctors emphasize regular follow-ups for monitored patients, a necessity to catch unexpected developments early. Using food, exercise, and stress reduction may support these approaches but can’t substitute for medical care.
The Bigger Picture: Trusting Your Body and a Balanced Diet
This isn’t about glorifying minimal interventions but understanding the fine line between prevention and cure. Slow-growing cancers often act in tandem with the body’s ability to regulate itself, a power you can boost through lifestyle choices.
Proactive Tips for Longevity:
- Stick to Whole Foods: Prioritize unprocessed ingredients.
- Hydrate Regularly: Water detoxifies cells.
- Avoid Overeating: Maintaining healthy weight supports lower inflammation.
- Limit Sugar: Cancer cells thrive on excess glucose.
Meet Malta’s Nutrient-Packed Dining Revolution
Restaurants in Malta are catching the wave of health-conscious dining. Those adopting Mediterranean principles while leveraging cutting-edge science win diners’ hearts for their taste and their commitment to well-being.
Curious about where to eat next? Check out MELA AI for Malta’s top-rated restaurant selections emphasizing ingredients proven to support proactive health.
Let science shape smarter, tastier choices on your plate. Indulge in the Mediterranean diet while activating your body’s natural resilience, one meal at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions on Why Some Doctors Suggest Certain Cancers Shouldn’t Be Treated
Why do some doctors believe certain cancers shouldn’t be treated aggressively?
Doctors are increasingly recognizing that not all cancers are life-threatening, and some grow so slowly they may never cause harm over a person’s lifetime. This perspective, supported by leading organizations like the American Association for Cancer Research, highlights how early screening sometimes leads to the overdiagnosis of cancers that would not have caused symptoms or death. Overdiagnosis often results in unnecessary treatments that bring stress and side effects without any real health benefit. For instance, certain early-stage prostate and thyroid cancers, as well as some breast cancers, are now managed with active surveillance instead of immediate surgery or radiation, improving patients’ quality of life.
What is overdiagnosis, and why is it considered problematic?
Overdiagnosis occurs when screening detects abnormalities or slow-growing cancers that would not have become harmful during a person’s lifetime. While frequent checks aim to save lives, they occasionally flag harmless conditions that lead to unnecessary treatments. For example, thyroid cancer diagnoses surged globally over decades, yet death rates remained stable. This suggests many detected cases were benign nodules. By avoiding overtreatment, patients can dodge unnecessary surgeries, radiation, and medications, preserving their overall well-being.
How is “active surveillance” a safer alternative for some patients?
Active surveillance is a medical strategy where instead of undergoing immediate treatment, patients with non-threatening cancers are closely monitored. This approach is commonly used for conditions like early-stage prostate or thyroid cancers, where the risk of progression is low. By conducting regular check-ups and imaging, doctors evaluate if intervention becomes necessary. This strategy allows individuals to maintain their quality of life while avoiding the side effects of aggressive procedures like surgeries that may never have been needed.
What role does diet play in managing slow-growing cancers?
Diet greatly influences cellular health and cancer prevention. Certain foods can even slow cancer progression by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries, and spices like turmeric are known to support active surveillance protocols. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and whole grains like quinoa also contribute to cellular repair and better health outcomes. Pairing personalized nutrition with monitoring is a holistic way to manage slow-growing cancers.
How can restaurants in Malta support individuals seeking health-conscious options?
Many restaurants in Malta now emphasize Mediterranean-inspired menus rich in cancer-preventive ingredients such as fresh fish, leafy greens, and olive oil. These dishes not only taste great but also contribute to overall wellness. Platforms like MELA AI connect diners with eateries that prioritize nutrient-dense, wholesome meals. Whether you’re a local or visitor, using MELA AI ensures you can access menus designed with long-term health benefits in mind.
Why should diners in Malta prioritize restaurants with healthy menu options?
Malta’s growing health-conscious dining culture realizes the medicinal power of food. Diners can benefit greatly from choosing restaurants that emphasize anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich ingredients. Many establishments now feature dishes full of healthful elements like fish, tomatoes, artichokes, and herbs, which support well-being. A great way to discover such places is through platforms like MELA AI, where you’ll find restaurants with curated menus focused on disease prevention and overall health.
Are there challenges to predicting which cancers are harmless?
Yes, one major challenge is variability in cancer behavior from patient to patient. While many slow-growing cancers remain stationary, some can unexpectedly progress. Scientists are refining methods to better distinguish harmless conditions from those requiring treatment. For now, regular follow-ups and individual assessments remain essential, and decisions should always be grounded in personalized medical advice.
What lifestyle changes can complement active surveillance practices?
Adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, incorporating regular exercise, and reducing stress are key lifestyle adjustments that can complement active surveillance. Eating nutrient-dense foods like fish, whole grains, and vegetables ensures a steady intake of anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive compounds. Staying active optimizes immune function, while stress reduction techniques like meditation or yoga minimize factors that fuel inflammation and tumor growth.
Who benefits most from dining at health-focused restaurants?
Health-focused diners, tourists, and individuals seeking preventive care can all benefit from Malta’s growing health-conscious dining scene. By choosing establishments that prioritize fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients, such as those listed under MELA AI, diners gain access to meals that taste great and support long-term well-being. The platform is particularly helpful for those needing to align dining options with specific medical advice.
Is food a substitute for cancer treatment?
While diet plays a critical role in supporting overall health and potentially slowing disease progression, it is not a substitute for professional medical care. Individuals with any form of cancer should always consult their doctors for treatment plans. However, combining a scientifically-backed diet with medical advice can enhance overall quality of life and health outcomes. Whether you’re cooking at home or dining out, making choices rooted in evidence, such as those facilitated by MELA AI, can promote better outcomes.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
