In the last few years, new research has shown that an aggressive approach to treating cancer—more surgery, more radiation, or more chemotherapy—does not always result in better outcomes. In fact, the negative side effects associated with more aggressive treatment can often outweigh the benefits. As a result, the idea of “less is more” in cancer care has been gaining ground among physicians. For instance, a study published in 2012 found that women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer who undergo lumpectomy and radiation fare just as well as, and sometimes even better than, those who undergo a mastectomy. Other studies have found that certain groups of patients with lung cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma don’t benefit from additional radiation and could avoid it altogether. Finally, for slow-growing cancers such as prostate and kidney tumors, watchful waiting has been shown to be just as safe as radical surgery for many patients. Despite mounting evidence in favor of a “less is more” strategy, changing the standards of medical care is going to be a challenge. However, a national debate on the issue is gaining momentum as doctors and patients become more aware of the different treatment options and learn how to weigh the risks and benefits of each.
