Earlier, cancer was seen as a disease that always needed strong and immediate treatment. But doctors now understand that not all cancers behave the same way. Some cancers grow very slowly and may not cause harm for many years.
When all cancers are treated as equally dangerous, aggressive treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can sometimes do more harm than good. These treatments may cause serious side effects and reduce quality of life, especially when the cancer is low risk.
For some low-grade cancers, doctors now recommend active surveillance. This means the patient is closely monitored through regular tests and scans, instead of starting treatment right away. Treatment is given only if the cancer shows signs of growing or causing problems.
This approach helps patients avoid unnecessary treatment, reduces side effects, and allows them to live a normal life. Modern cancer care focuses on personalized treatment, based on how risky the cancer actually is.
