Despite new scientific possibilities in diagnostics and therapy, chronic diseases - including cancer - continue to increase dramatically. This is not only a threat to peoples' health, but also a financial problem. A new perspective is necessary: instead of treating symptoms, more causal research needs to be conducted, taking into account environmental causes for these diseases. Citing numerous examples, the study makes a strong case for therapy beyond classic academic medicine and encourages those affected by environmental stress to take their health into their own hands.