Cancer News, Treatment and Research

On this edition of HealthWatch, meet the first patient to be treated at the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute and see why this new technology draws cancer patients from across the nation to Hampton Roads. www.hamptonproton.org From the website “Today, cancer treatment with proton therapy is on the rise. There are five currently-operating centers in the United States, and at least eight more in the planning, design and construction phases. Of these, Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI) will be the largest and most advanced. Proton Therapy is the most precise form of radiation treatment. Proton therapy targets the tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, causing far fewer side effects than traditional therapy. Benefits Proton therapy is widely recognized as the most effective external beam method in the selective destruction of cancer cells. Non-invasive Minimal side affects Most precise treatment, targeting only the tumor Healthy tissue around the tumor is spared Treatment Experience Treatments are completely painless. The actual radiation time is a matter of seconds. Patients receive outpatient treatment, with each appointment time being 15-30 minutes per day for five to eight weeks.” More Health Watch shows with Terrance Afer-Anderson here: www.norfolk.gov