Understanding the Importance of Radiation Therapy

One of the most common ways doctors treat cancer is with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays, like X-rays, to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 50% of all cancer patients will need radiation therapy at some point during their care. That means more than half of all people with cancer will benefit from it.

Radiation therapy is a key part of modern cancer care. It can help cure cancer, shrink tumors before surgery, kill cancer cells left after surgery or ease pain and other symptoms. It can also help prevent cancer from coming back. That’s why doctors rely on radiation therapy to give patients the best possible chance of recovery.

The Benefits and Challenges of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells. Because cancer cells grow and divide faster than normal cells, this treatment is more likely to destroy them. Over time, the cancer cells die and the body gets rid of them.

There are many benefits to radiation therapy:

• It can kill or shrink tumors.
• It may help patients avoid more aggressive treatments.
• You can target it to focus on specific parts of the body.
• It helps relieve symptoms like pain or pressure caused by tumors.

However, radiation therapy isn’t side effect-free. Traditional radiation uses X-rays and passes through the body. This can also harm healthy cells near the tumor. This can cause side effects, such as:

• Tiredness
• Skin changes
• Nausea
• Sore throat or mouth (if treating the head or chest)
• Long-term damage to nearby organs or tissues
• Secondary cancers in the normal tissue exposed to radiation

Most cancer treatment side effects go away after treatment, but some may last or cause future health problems. This is especially concerning for children with cancer or patients with cancers located near critical parts of the body.

Proton Beam Therapy – A Form of Radiation and a Powerful Option for More People

One of the most exciting developments in cancer treatment is proton therapy. This is a more advanced type of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of X-rays.

Unlike traditional radiation, which keeps going through the body, protons stop at the tumor. They deliver their energy exactly where it's needed. (Watch our video, “How Proton Therapy Works.”)

This means proton therapy can better protect healthy tissues and organs, especially those near the tumor. It can lower the risk of long-term side effects and reduce damage to parts of the body that don’t need treatment. This is especially important for:

• Children, whose bodies are still growing
• People with brain tumors, where protecting healthy brain tissue is critical
• Patients with tumors near the eyes, heart, spine or other sensitive organs
• People who’ve already had radiation and can’t safely get more

Despite its benefits, only about 2% of all cancer patients currently receive proton therapy. Why? Mainly because proton therapy centers cost a lot to build and run, and there aren’t enough of them yet. Many insurance companies are also slow to approve this treatment, even when it’s medically needed and even though the treatment has been used for decades. (You can read more in our blog post, “Is proton therapy covered by insurance?”)

But here’s the truth: we can and should use proton therapy to help more people. It’s not just for rare or special cases.

In many cases, proton beam therapy can be as good as or better than traditional X-ray therapy. It also has fewer side effects, especially in the long run. (Read our blog post, “What is the difference between proton radiation and radiation therapy?”)

As technology improves and more organizations build proton therapy centers, more patients should gain access to this treatment. The benefits are too great to ignore. Expanding access to proton therapy would help improve the quality of life for thousands of patients, young and old.

Doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies must work together. This will help more people who need proton therapy to get it. This is not just about science; it’s about fairness and giving patients the best chance at healing. Learn more about the benefits of proton therapy and the National Association of Proton Therapy’s (NAPT) efforts to expand access to proton beam therapy.

Final Thoughts

Being told you have cancer is life changing. But with the right care, there’s real hope. Radiation therapy is a trusted and effective treatment that helps millions of people each year. For many, it is a key part of overcoming their cancer diagnosis.

And for many, proton therapy offers a safer, more precise way to receive radiation. Even though it’s currently used by only 2% of patients, this number should grow. More patients should have access to this powerful tool. It can reduce side effects, protect vital organs, and improve long-term outcomes.

If you have a cancer diagnosis, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Ask if proton therapy is right for you. Even if it’s not available in your area yet, it’s good to know what options exist. There may be a proton therapy center nearby for cancer treatment.

The National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT) has a map of every proton therapy treatment center in the world where you can see where proton therapy for cancer treatment is available. Every patient deserves the best care possible.

To learn more about proton beam therapy at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, contact us today.