Breast Cancer

Overview

Breast cancer is the second deadliest cancer among women in the United States, but treatment breakthroughs, like proton therapy, are increasing the odds for survival.

Proton therapy limits radiation exposure to healthy surrounding tissue in two ways. First, it focuses the highest radiation dose to the tumor. Also, the proton beam can conform to the shape, depth, and size of the tumor, which is especially important given the proximity of the heart and lungs.

How it works

Proton therapy limits radiation exposure to healthy tissue by conforming the beam precisely to the tumor’s shape and stopping at a programmed depth, thereby sparing the heart, lungs, and other critical structures.

Breast Cancer Facts

Both women and men can get breast cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed in her lifetime, making it the most common cancer in women. The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 300,000 new U.S. cases this year, and almost 44,000 deaths.

Early detection through mammograms and self-exams is key. Proton therapy also reduces radiation dose to the heart’s main artery (LAD) compared to X-rays, lowering the risk of long-term cardiac side effects.

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