SOMERSET, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Somerset, N.J., opened its doors in March 2012 as the 10th proton therapy treatment center in the United States, they welcomed patients with various cancer types that could benefit from the life-changing, advanced form of radiation treatment known as proton therapy. Among them were a group of men battling prostate cancer who, after completing proton therapy treatment, remain prostate cancer-free five years later.
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the United States other than skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society and about one in seven men will be diagnosed at some point throughout his lifetime. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and ProCure Proton Therapy Center New Jersey urges men of all ages to learn about the factors that can increase their chances of getting prostate cancer and familiarize themselves with treatment options that are available to them.
Over the past five years, ProCure Proton Therapy Center New Jersey has treated over 3,000 patients and embraced a culture of patient-centric services where patient needs and comfort are paramount. Patients Bob Jones and Peter Van Drumpt were among an early group of prostate cancer patients to be treated at the Center. Like many patients who walk through ProCure’s doors, these men were drawn to the Center for its innovative technology and the staff’s passion for the well-being of patients. Now, five years later, they remain prostate cancer-free and maintain their quality of life.
“Looking back at the time I spent at ProCure, I’m extremely happy I made the decision to undergo proton therapy for prostate cancer treatment. Five years later, I’m still reaping the benefits from proton therapy and, because of my experience at the Center, I’m now an avid patient ambassador. It’s my hope that I can help other men in the same way that ProCure has helped me,” shares Bob Jones.
Prostate cancer patient Peter Van Drumpt also recalls that while determining which treatment was best for him, the process was overwhelming. However, discussing his options with ProCure physicians and former patients was essential to making his important health decision. “It was tough deciding where to begin since there were so many resources online about prostate cancer treatment options. It was a relief to have the support of ProCure team members as well as the ability to gain helpful insight from patient ambassadors on their experience with the treatment as I embarked on my own journey.” Van Drumpt shares.
“Most men who are faced with a prostate cancer diagnosis struggle in the beginning with the wealth of information that is presented to them. Our team goes above and beyond to ensure patients have the resources they need every step of the way,” shares Dr. Henry Tsai, radiation oncologist at ProCure. Dr. Tsai continues, “Proton therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for men with prostate cancer who are concerned about the potential side effects associated with other treatment options.”
In honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, ProCure Proton Therapy Center New Jersey encourages men to be cognizant of what may put them at risk for prostate cancer. Factors such as being older than 50 years of age, having an immediate blood relative who had prostate cancer, or being of African American descent can put men at higher risk for getting prostate cancer.
This useful infographic on prostate cancer and proton therapy can serve as a resource to help men take charge of their healthcare decisions: http://media.nj.com/procure_proton_therapy_center/photo/2017/06/09/ManInChargeInfographic2016.jpg
State-of-the-art Technology to Treat Prostate Cancer
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that destroys cancer cells by preventing them from dividing and growing. Unlike standard X-ray radiation that uses photons, it uses protons – positively charged, sub-atomic particles – which precisely target tumors. Proton therapy lowers the risk of damage to healthy tissue and organs near the tumor, and potentially allows patients to receive higher, more effective doses of radiation, and experience few side effects.
This innovative treatment has been used for over 20 years to treat prostate cancer, with recent studies proving its safety and efficacy, as well as its ability to spare healthy surrounding tissue. The reduction in radiation to critical structures, including the rectum and bladder, is associated with a low risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, incontinence and impotence.
Additionally, ProCure Proton Therapy Center New Jersey is the only proton therapy center in the metro NY/NJ area equipped with pencil beam scanning (PBS) – the most advanced proton therapy technology available today. The technique moves a proton beam of pencil-point sharpness back and forth across each layer of a tumor's thickness and paints the tumor with radiation in three dimensions, rendering it ultra-precise and ideal for tumors located next to critical organs, such as those in the prostate. ProCure's PBS technology expands the center's ability to treat difficult and complicated tumors, and is reflective of its commitment to advance cancer treatment options for patients.
If you, or someone you love, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and would like to learn more about the benefits of proton therapy, call 1-877-967-7628 or request more information online at: www.procure.com/nj. The team can help you learn more and determine if proton therapy is an option for you.
About Princeton ProCure Management, LLC.
ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Somerset, N.J. opened in March 2012, and was the 10th proton treatment facility in the nation and the first in the NJ/NY tri-state region. Studies have shown proton therapy to be effective in treating many types of cancers, including that of the prostate, breast, lung, brain, gastrointestinal system, head and neck region, sarcomas and many pediatric cases.
ProCure N.J. is the only proton therapy center in the metro NY/NJ area equipped with pencil beam scanning (PBS), the most advanced proton therapy technology available today. ProCure's PBS technology expands the center's ability to treat difficult and complicated tumors, and is reflective of a commitment to continually advance cancer treatment options. For more information, visit www.procure.com/nj.
