Proton therapy is a type of radiation that stops at a very specific point in the targeted tissue. Conventional radiation continues beyond the tumor. In breast cancer, this means on average no radiation to the heart and on average 50% less radiation to the lung as compared with conventional radiation. As other treatments destroy healthy cells, proton therapy for cancer targets the bad cells with a margin. This is great news for those who need breast cancer treatment.
At the beginning of 2015, more than 30 particle therapy centers, with a total of about 80 treatment rooms, were under construction worldwide. This gives more people with cancer close access to proton therapy for cancer. People with cancer are reaping benefits from this new technique. Many success studies shared after proton therapy reveal the advantages of proton vs. conventional therapy.
Due to proton therapy?s targeted approach, studies have found that prostate cancer patients treated using this method have a significantly reduced risk of impotence, with 94% of men reporting that they remain sexually active after treatment. Researchers report that 99%, 94% and 74% of men treated with proton therapy with low, intermediate, and high risk prostate cancer, respectively, have no signs of cancer recurrence after five years of follow-up. Proton therapy for prostate cancer is becoming more widespread.
Even those with advanced cancer can endure quicker treatment times, since a proton treatment session generally only takes 15 to 45 minutes. The actual time spent delivering the protons to the tumor is really only about a minute or two. Also, proton therapy for cancer decreases the radiation dose to gastrointestinal structures by at least 59% compared to X-rays.
Approximately 23,800 adults and 4,830 children are diagnosed with cancerous tumors of the brain and spinal cord each year, with brain tumors making up the majority of that number. Glioblastomas account for about 15% of all primary brain tumors. Advanced brain cancer treatment options are now being offered to those dealing with a bleak diagnosis.
There are many habits and lifestyles that are blamed for an incidence of cancer. About 18% of men over the age of 18 have had five or more drinks in one day at least once in the past year. Also, according to the CDC, 34.5% of men (20 years and older) are obese and 32.6% have high blood pressure or are taking prescriptions for hypertension.
Men should have a healthy life style and learn of the benefits of proton therapy for cancer.
