The Role of Proton Therapy in Cervical Cancer Treatment
January 10, 2023
Once the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., cervical cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the cervix or the lower part of a woman’s uterus. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 14,100 U.S. women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022.
Today, cervical cancer is now one of the most preventable cancers and has drastically decreased in cases and deaths over the decades due to improved access to early detection and vaccine prevention.
Women recently diagnosed with cervical cancer have several treatment options such as proton therapy. In recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, learn more about the role of proton therapy in cervical cancer treatment.
The Benefits of Proton Therapy for Cervical Cancer
Proton therapy may be a beneficial treatment option for cervical cancer patients due to its precisely targeted and non-invasive delivery of high radiation dose that destroy cancerous cells in tumors near vital organs – such as the cervix.
With this cancer type being located in the female reproductive system, standard radiation can sometimes contribute to infertility. However, proton therapy can help to minimize damage to healthy tissue and reduce side effects, including those that may negatively impact a patient’s fertility. This form of treatment can also allow patients to maintain their current quality of life during and after treatment.
Integrating Proton Therapy into a Cervical Cancer Treatment Plan
Cervical cancer patients may also receive proton therapy alone or jointly with other treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and palliative medicine.
A patient’s course of treatment may be adapted at any time to better manage their specific cancer type. Proton therapy may be added to a treatment plan if a routine test or scan has detected a shift in a patient’s tumor size. For many cancer types, such as cervical cancer, proton therapy can be customized to continue targeting only the cancerous cells and minimize exposure to health tissues and organs around the cervix.
Women are encouraged to consult with their physician on when to begin their routine Pap test as well as learn about the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. Patients who have been recently diagnosed with cervical cancer can schedule an appointment today at Texas Center for Proton Therapy to determine if proton therapy is an option for them.