Prostate Cancer Education Conference Held at The Villages
For the second year, Curtis Bryant, MD, MPH, spoke at the prostate cancer conference for patients and caregivers held in The Villages. He joined a group of three other radiation oncologists from Florida on an educational panel discussing the different types of radiation treatments available for people diagnosed with prostate cancer. This panel discussion was focused on those newly diagnosed with prostate cancer as they researched the different treatment options. Each year, this is one of the top breakout sessions of the day-long conference. Over 300 men and women attended this year.
The discussion covered topics including defining what a “fraction” is in radiation treatment, how many fractions are required for each type of radiation depending on the prostate cancer risk score, the role of hormone therapy during radiation treatments, side effects of treatments and the data behind the outcomes for patients. Dr. Bryant provided insight into the role of proton therapy radiation and what patients could expect during treatment and the long-term outcomes. Here are some of the FAQs about proton therapy.
Dr. Bryant discussed how radiation oncology physicians determine the number of treatments and whether hormone therapy was recommended. In general, with a lower cancer risk (low-, low-intermediate and intermediate risk), 28 treatments are often recommended without hormone therapy. With higher-risk prostate cancer (intermediate-high and high risk) physicians may recommend up to 41 treatments and hormone therapy anywhere from three months to up to two years.
Supporting people through a diagnosis and treatment options through survivorship is so important. Our team has created several blogs to help people navigate the process
- Radiation treatment for prostate cancer
- Navigating radiation therapy: a prostate cancer treatment guide
Survivors Helping Patients
Proton Ambassadors are patients who have completed proton therapy and now volunteer to speak with newly diagnosed patients. Proton Ambassadors, Dan and Brandon, joined us to answer questions from the perspective of patients who had been through proton therapy treatment themselves. This opportunity for attendees to speak with patients sharing their experiences was meaningful to many attendees.
During the conference, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute also provided information to attendees and caregivers during the conference session breaks.
For many years, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute has been involved in this prostate cancer conference held in The Villages. This conference is hosted by Jan Manarite, president of Your Prostate Cancer. Help. She is dedicated to advocating for patients and shared decision-making through education and encouraging people to ask better questions on their journey.
Did you miss this conference? Reach out to us for more info about proton therapy treatment for prostate cancer. Check the latest research publications.
Are you a graduate of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute? Stay connected and let us know how you are doing. Have you missed a recent follow-up appointment? Give us a call and make an appointment to update your doctor on how you are doing.