When seeking radiation treatment for cancer, going through the options can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and cause anyone’s head to spin. Exposure to radiation at all can be an alarming thought to anyone, and exploring every possible avenue is always a good idea.
Many are using proton therapy for cancer, which results in significantly less exposure to radiation. Conventional radiation goes beyond the targeted tumor, while proton therapy stops at a specific point within it.
How does this impact the patient? Take breast cancer treatment as an example. People going through proton radiation therapy, as opposed to typical radiation processes, will likely have no radiation applied to their heart and 50% less radiation applied to their lungs. That is significant and should definitely be considered when exploring options.
A person should generally expect one session of proton therapy to last around 15 minutes to 45 minutes. That being said, the time spent delivering protons to the affected area will usually only last a couple of minutes.
The Results of Proton Treatment
So, how effective is this radiation treatment for cancer? Well, men with low, intermediate, and high-risk prostate cancer were treated with it. After five years, 99% of the men with the low-risk cancer, 94% with the intermediate cancer, and 74% with the high-risk cancer saw no signs of cancer at their follow-up doctor visit.
Prostate cancer patients also reported a lower level of impotence after using proton therapy. After receiving the treatment, 94% of men say they were still able to remain sexually active.
Also, because it is not invasive, patients are able to live their lives more normally than they could with other types of treatment. There are a lot less negative side effects involved, as well, and the process itself is pain-free. When it comes to radiation treatment for cancer, this is a solid and dependable choice.
Doing What is Right for You
Being diagnosed with cancer can lead to a lot of restless nights and hard-to-make decisions. All in all, it is about doing what is best for you and your loved ones. Talk with your doctor about what steps they recommend and make your decision based upon what you think will benefit you the most.
Also, do not be afraid to ask questions. You have every right to know what is going on with your body and what each method of treatment entails. Never hesitate to reach out for help, either. Find the resources you need to get and stay cancer-free. You deserve only the best.