Global Proton Therapy Market Continues to Grow

When it comes to effectively killing off cancer cells, it’s hard to beat radiation therapy. Standard procedures, however, can prove problematic by also damaging nearby healthy cells during the treatment process, often leading to unwanted complications and side effects. When a life is on the line, however, the potential for side effects is often, and rightfully so, deemed worth the risk.

Even so, many wish there was a better way to gain the benefits of radiation without all the risks. As it turns out, there is for some. Proton therapy continues to rise in popularity across the globe, not only for its effectiveness but also its precision.

Proton therapy works in a similar fashion to standard radiation therapy. This treatment involves using a proton beam to irradiate cancer cells. This particular beam, however, can be highly targeted for precision. That means nearby healthy cells can be spared from damage in many cases while the cancer itself is still treated.

The rise in popularity of proton therapy is continuing across the globe. Researchers estimated that more than 80,000 people with either brain or prostate cancer have already been successfully treated using this method. In fact, the proton therapy market is on track to become a multibillion-dollar industry by 2019. By then, it is estimated that almost 330 proton therapy rooms will be made available worldwide for treatment of patients. As of 2014, there were only 141 rooms available on a global scale.

While highly effective, proton therapy has been slow to catch on because of the size room required to house equipment and the costs associated with it. The race is now on, however, to make more compact and affordable systems. This race is anticipated to result in equipment that will make proton therapy more widely available.

As the global incident rate of cancer continues to rise, new therapies are gaining ground in the battle against this disease. Proton therapy is one option that is continuing to grow in popularity courtesy of its effectiveness and ability to reduce side effect risks. Patients who are diagnosed with cancer are urged to discuss all treatment options with their healthcare providers. 

Drinking Can Increase Women’s Cancer Risks

It’s well known that bad lifestyle habits can increase a person’s cancer risks. For women, as it turns out, even tempering one particular habit a little may not help entirely. Researchers out of Boston have found, in fact, that women who are light to moderate drinkers may see their cancer risks rise. While the increase in risk is only slight, it’s a piece of the puzzle those who are searching for ways to lower risks may want to pay attention to.

The study conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health involved more than 88,000 women and some 47,000 men. The research ultimately showed that women who drink even on a light basis can see their risk of cancer rise slightly. The estimated increase in risk was about 1.02 percent above non-drinkers for light consumers. It was about 1.04 percent higher in moderate drinkers. To be sure, men also saw their risks rise with alcohol consumption.

While the increase for both men and women was only slight, the link between alcohol and certain forms of cancers is an important one to note. Women – and men – who want to decrease their risks may find altering certain lifestyle habits can make a difference. Even cutting out alcohol can help push the number in a more positive direction.

People who want to take other steps to reduce cancer risks may find these measures helpful:

·         Lose weight – If weight is a concern, shedding pounds can help reduce the risks of certain forms of cancer while also improving overall health.

·         Eating healthy – A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and other healthy choices can help improve overall health while reducing risks for certain types of cancer.

Anyone who is concerned about cancer is urged to discuss the issue with their healthcare providers. Doctors can assist in assessing overall risk and may make further recommendations on how to address risk factors that individuals may have control over.