Breast cancer affects millions of people every single year. It’s one of the most common forms of cancer and, perhaps worst of all, is one of the easiest to detect. Although breast cancer awareness campaigns have been on the rise over the past handful of years many are still in the dark about diagnosis and treatment methods. Visiting a breast cancer doctor is the most surefire way to determine whether or not you have breast cancer or a high probability of contracting the disease due to your family history. Learn more about breast cancer treatment and cancer proton therapy below.

How Widespread Is Breast Cancer?

Millions of people as we speak are living with various stages of breast cancer. Recent developments in breast cancer treatment technology and cancer screenings, however, have been showing major promise. Over 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and it’s thought as many as 40,000 will die from the condition in 2017. Over 20,000 adults and 4,000 children are diagnosed with cancerous tumors of either the brain or spinal cord every single year. Knowing about cancer symptoms and your resources is the most vital step to a solid recovery.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

The cause of breast cancer is a field of study that is receiving more and more attention as cancer deaths rise. Some studies have shown links to genetic inheritance, though many breast cancer cases have been found to develop over time independently. It’s important to remember that not all lumps are related to cancer and not all issues involving the breasts or underarms are a sign of developing a tumor. Determining where your health stands is better done with the aid of a breast cancer doctor.

How Do I Diagnose Breast Cancer?

Visiting a breast cancer doctor is the best possible resource to determine whether or not you’re at risk. You can, however, give yourself a quick check-up in the mirror to look at the most superficial symptoms. Tenderness in the breast, unnatural swelling, burning pain, hard lumps and discolored spots are some of the more common symptoms that could be a sign of breast cancer. These are not guaranteed, however, and a breast cancer specialist can give you a more accurate overview in just a single session.

What Are Advanced Cancer Treatment Options?

A new form of cancer treatment is known as proton therapy. This is a form of radiation that stops at very specific points in the targeted tissue, while more conventional types of radiation continue well beyond the tumor. This causes issues with long-term recovery and cause side-effects ranging from impotence to even reduced effectiveness. The beginning of 2015 saw over 30 particle therapy centers beginning construction, with a collective total of 80 treatment centers to be used in due time.

How Does Proton Treatment Therapy Work?

Prostate cancer options, breast cancer care and brain cancer treatment all could potentially benefit from the recent strides made in proton therapy. Researchers have reported significant follow-up in men treated with proton therapy for prostate cancer. Around 99% and 75% of low-rate and intermediate-rate, respectively, have shown no cancer recurrence after five years of follow-up. Another study also saw 90% of men reporting they remain sexually active after treatment. The average treatment session takes no more than 15 to 45 minutes at a time.

Whether you show symptoms or not, getting a cancer screening will ensure you the highest possible chance at recovery. Proton therapy’s more accurate and intensive results may see a new future being built for cancer survivors in just a matter of years.