A breast cancer diagnosis is undoubtedly scary and stressful. Simply coming to terms with your diagnosis can be overwhelming, but having to decide on a course of treatment can be downright daunting. There are several different types of breast cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation, but one option that has come to the forefront in recent years is proton radiation therapy.
Unlike conventional radiation, proton cancer treatment stops at a specific point in the cancerous tissue being targeted. Other types of radiation continue beyond the tumorous mass, which can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart and lungs. That means that proton therapy for breast cancer has a much lower risk of undesirable side effects like heart disease, decreased function in the lungs, and even development of other cancers.
One of the misconceptions about this type of therapy is that it’s brand new and untested. Although it’s only now starting to be recognized, proton therapy for breast cancer and other types of cancers has been around for decades. However, it’s starting to be recognized now due to our technological advancements. These developments have allowed this much more precise method of breast cancer care to become more popular.
As of now, proton cancer therapy does not have widespread availability. In fact, only 24 centers throughout the U.S. offer proton therapy cancer treatments. However, the experience is fairly similar to traditional radiation therapy, so patients who have undergone both or who are trying to decide between the two methods won’t experience much difference in that regard.
Proton therapy has also been shown to be successful at treating cancers in all stages. If you have late stage cancer or your cancer has spread to other parts of the body, you may still be able to be helped by proton therapy.
If you haven’t experienced complete success with chemotherapy, traditional radiation, or other treatments, it may be time to explore the possibility of proton therapy. While there are several benefits to undergoing proton cancer therapy, only your breast cancer specialist or oncologist can determine whether it’s the right course of action for you.
