When the diagnosis is breast cancer, it’s scary. And to make matters worse, there is so much information that it is overwhelming. Survivor stories, doctor recommendations, insurance information, worries about treatments and side effects, as well as practical matters like who will watch the kids or how to pay the bills. It is a very confusing and frustrating time.
But there is a non-invasive cancer treatment for breast cancer that can help alleviate some of the worry and tension. Proton therapy is a type of targeted radiation therapy. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, proton therapy stops at a certain point in the tissue. Because the radiation doesn’t continue as far into the body, proton therapy is safer for the patient while still being effective. Typically there is no radiation delivered to the heart and 50% less delivered to the lungs as compared to conventional radiation therapy.
Proton therapy is quick, too. While a treatment session generally takes about 15-45 minutes, the delivery of the treatment takes only a couple of minutes. A short treatment time gives you more of your life back just when you need it most.
Proton cancer treatment is safe. It has been used by more than 67,000 people in Europe, Asia, and the United States. The proton therapy has not been heavily used since 1955, when it was first used to treat patients. This aversion to proton therapy is not due to a safety issue or problem with the treatment, but rather with the imaging technology available. The medical imaging technology was not advanced enough to see the tumor clearly, so a targeted approach did not work as well. However, with today’s advanced medical equipment available, the tumors can often be seen clearly and a more directed approach is safer and effective.
Not just a treatment for breast cancer, proton therapy works as a prostate cancer treatment as well. And it works with fewer side-effects than conventional radiation therapy. Men receiving proton therapy have significantly reduced rates of impotence, with 94% saying they are sexually active after receiving treatment. Proton therapy also allows 59% less radiation to the gastrointestinal structures than conventional therapy.
With the difficult diagnosis of breast cancer, consider proton therapy. It is a safe and effective treatment. It’s targeted approach allows less radiation to reach the heart and lungs and is a proven treatment for breast cancer. Proton radiation therapy is a valuable weapon to taking back your life.