Overview

Screening is essential to diagnosing colorectal cancer because the disease typically lacks symptoms in the early stages. Approximately one-third of adults over 50 have not been screened. Colorectal cancer develops in the cells lining the colon and rectum. The stage is based on the extent of the spread of cancer through deeper layers, lymph nodes, and surrounding structures.

Benefits of Proton Therapy

• High-energy, precisely-targeted proton beams can deliver high doses of radiation to destroy cancerous cells, reducing recurrence rates for many cancer cases.
• Proton therapy is non-invasive and may reduce side effects.
• Patients treated with proton therapy may have increased tolerance for chemotherapy.
• Patients can maintain their current quality of life during and after treatment.
• It is sometimes used effectively to treat areas that have already been treated with radiation.

Sources: American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and National Cancer Institute