Somerset, N.J. – October 29, 2026 -- Women diagnosed with breast cancer, and the people supporting them, can ask whether proton therapy is an option if radiation is recommended, says ProCure Proton Therapy Center in New Jersey. For some patients, it may reduce radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissue, including the heart and lungs.
A study found fewer lung changes and skin reactions with protons
Research published earlier this year in Breast Cancer Research examined 8,189 breast cancer patients who received radiation after surgery. Of those, 501 were treated with proton therapy.
Lung changes visible on imaging occurred in 5.8% of the proton group, compared with 10.0% of the conventional radiation group. Skin reactions were also less frequent with protons, at 13.4% versus 20.9%.
Patients say heart protection and fewer side effects drove their choice
ProCure patient Liz said she chose proton therapy "because of the reduced risk to my heart and the reduced side effects."
Another patient, Cathy, was already worried about the side effects of conventional radiation after her diagnosis. She carried out her own research, which ultimately led her to proton therapy.
Doctors urge patients to ask how each plan affects healthy tissue
Brian Chon, M.D., ProCure's Medical Director, said it can be hard to know which questions to ask after a diagnosis. If radiation is part of the treatment plan, he said, patients can ask how each approach may affect nearby healthy tissue and whether proton therapy is right for them.
ProCure also encourages women to talk with their healthcare providers about when to schedule their next breast cancer screening. After a diagnosis, patients can ask their care team to explain all appropriate treatment options, including how a proposed radiation plan may affect the heart, lungs and other healthy tissue.