It is essential to note that the term “study,” as used here (quote) and throughout much of the medical literature, most often refers to an observational survey rather than a valid scientific study. The same applies to the term “research” in medicine—what is called “medical research” is frequently nothing more than a survey, sometimes with statistical analysis added, but still not scientific research in the true sense.
Actual scientific research requires several non-negotiable elements:
- Defined and measurable inputs.
- A controlled test object (humans, animals, or samples), placed in a controlled environment, independent of confounding factors.
- Clearly defined outputs that can be measured using validated surrogate markers that can serve as substitutes for direct measurement.
- Reproducibility, so that independent investigators can obtain the same results under the same conditions.
These are not special requirements unique to medicine—they are the basic principles of all scientific investigation.
Because medical education does not teach or train physicians in these principles, they often describe their practices as “science” even when they do not meet these standards. As a result, much of what passes for medical literature is, in fact, false science—opinion and observation presented as evidence.
It is also critical to note that the concept of “cancer” often falls into this same category of survey-based and observational science. Much like “viruses,” cancer diagnosis is mostly image-based, not grounded in rigorous, quantitative, analytical science. Diagnosis and treatment decisions are therefore largely subjective, not based on validated, reproducible measurements. Extreme caution should be exercised, as the potential for misdiagnosis and overtreatment is very high.
Therefore, most—if not all—of the medical literature must be regarded as scientifically suspect. If judged by the same standards applied in other fields, much of it would likely need to be retracted or withdrawn.
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