Three Advantages of Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer
People with breast cancer often look at multiple treatment options. It makes sense that someone would want to try a medical procedure that isn’t invasive. Many patients are realizing the benefits of proton therapy as a treatment for breast cancer. Proton therapy is a type of radiation that targets cancerous tissue in its own unique way. Many patients continue to use proton therapy as a vital part of their breast cancer care plan. In this post, you will learn the advantages of proton therapy for breast cancer patients.
- Short Duration of Procedure
The average proton therapy session lasts between 15-45 minutes. It only takes a few minutes for the actual proton treatment to take place. Other methods of breast cancer treatment can leave a patient out of action for days, if not weeks. It can feel stressful knowing you have to place your life on hold for hours of surgery. Some patients may not be comfortable with the thought of being placed under. Proton therapy doesn’t require a patient to be put under sedation which many prefer. - Proton Therapy Focuses on Accuracy
Breast cancer care is a sensitive matter, due to where cancerous tissues might be located. A patient needs to ensure that any radiation is targeted to areas where cancer is present. You don’t want radiation spreading all throughout the body. The point of effective proton therapy is to specifically target cancerous cells. Using proton therapy as a form of breast cancer care helps to ensure you receive no radiation to the heart and a 50% reduction is radiation to the lungs. - Lack of Harmful Side Effects
Invasive surgical procedures often carry the burden of recovery times. The last a patient needs is to put everything on hold to spend more time in recovery. Side effects from traditional surgeries can leave a patient bedridden afterward. Proton therapy is a non invasive form of breast cancer care without a wide range of side effects. It’s common for a breast cancer doctor to include proton therapy as part of a treatment plan.
In closing, there are several advantages when looking at proton therapy as a breast cancer treatment method. Since 2015, there were over 30 particle therapy facilities being constructed. The short duration of a proton therapy procedure means not having to schedule entire days solely for treatment. Proton therapy targets specific areas of the body. Traditional radiation can mean that rays hit parts of the body without cancerous cells. It’s common for a breast cancer specialist to recommend proton therapy because of this treatment’s targeted approach.
