Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer Could Be the Answer You Are Looking For
A diagnosis of cancer is never an easy thing to hear or to carry. There have been incredible advancements in science, medicine, and technology over the years, and many of these advancements have allowed people to move on with their lives after serious medical conditions, such as cancer. One does have to wonder when all of these wonderful advancements will add up to a cure that takes care of cancer once and for all, but until then, there are better options for treatment than there were not long ago.
Proton therapy for prostate cancer and other types of cancer
For quite some time, radiation therapy has been used to combat dreaded cancer cells. The big problem with that approach is that the process can be quite invasive and detrimental to the rest of the body. Otherwise healthy cells and organs can be affected by the radiation, compounding the original problem. Proton therapy for prostate cancer and other forms of cancer is a major improvement.
In this therapy, the treatment still involves radiation, but it is much more localized. The radiation stops at specific spot within the tissue that has been targeted, rather than passing through to vital surrounding organs. For example, in the case of breast cancer, proton therapy will allow for 50% less radiation to the lung, and no radiation passing through to the heart. Typically, while the time needed delivering the protons to the tumor itself only takes around one or two minutes, the entire treatment session can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. When it comes to proton therapy for prostate cancer, many men are relieved to discover just how this localized treatment will affect them in the long run.
Cancer treatment therapy that targets the problem
Cancer on its own is already enough of a devastating hurdle to attempt to overcome. Attempting to deal with side effects from the treatment as well can feel like far too much to handle. Proton cancer treatment, with its specifically targeted process, helps to eliminate some of the extra stress and potential damage. While there may be a few different treatment options for prostate cancer, many people find that proton treatment is the best option for them.
Some research has shown that 99% of men with low risk prostate cancer who were treated with proton therapy showed no evidence of recurring cancer five years later. Similarly, 94% of those with intermediate risk prostate cancer and 74% of those with high risk prostate cancer show no signs of cancer five years down the road. In addition to these encouraging statistics, 94% of men who had prostate cancer and were treated with proton therapy reported that they were able to be sexually active after their treatment.
Cancer is a formidable foe, to be sure. Finding out that you have any form of cancer can be extremely difficult. But knowing that there continues to be new advancements in treatment can provide at least a bit of solace or relief.