You don’t need to be diagnosed with cancer to be aware of its effects. Everyday thousands of people are faced with the possibility they could be developing a tumor or finding out someone they love has been stricken with the disease. With many environmental and genetic causes attributed to these staggering rates, it can seem like too much to fathom. There is, however, a silver lining to this cloud. Advanced cancer treatment options have been seeing incredible progress over the past decade thanks to the hard, ongoing efforts of medical volunteers and doctors worldwide.

How Widespread Is Cancer?

Millions of people are living with cancer as we speak. It’s estimated over 400 new cancer diagnoses erupt on a daily basis around the world, with this number fluctuating depending on factors such as age, diet and location. The number of cancer survivors, however, is also increasing year after year. With cancer proton therapy showing staggering results, it’s more than possible this number will only get higher.

What Are The Most Common Forms Of Cancer?

Cancer comes in multiple forms. It can be minor and easily treated. It can be severe and life-threatening. Breast cancer, prostate cancer and brain cancer are among the more common forms brought to doctors on an annual basis. Breast cancer awareness, in particular, is a movement that seeks to spread knowledge about identifying, diagnosing and curing breast cancer. Over 20,000 adults and 4,000 children are diagnosed with brain and spine tumors every year.

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is not always treatable, or preventable, but it is slowly becoming more understood as time goes on. Genetic factors are partially to blame in some cases, with certain individuals having a higher risk of developing tumors if immediate family have struggled in the past. Environmental elements, however, have been found to have a major impact on a person’s risk factor. Everyday household chemicals, for example, possess many ingredients with strong links to cancer. It’s estimated 18% of men in the United States have had five or more drinks in one day at least once.

What Is Proton Therapy?

A promising new form of cancer treatment technology is proton beam radiation. Unlike more conventional forms of cancer treatment, proton therapy is notable in its ability to target a very specific point in targeted tissue. This results in up to 50% less radiation to the lung compared to older methods. The beginning of 2015 saw over 30 particle therapy centers being built worldwide. It’s possible that, over the following years, the average cancer treatment center will have proton therapy as a new standard.

Should I Get A Cancer Screening?

Even with proton therapy for cancer showing great results, your chances of a full recovery are much higher when you’re diagnosed early. This is just one of many reasons you should consider visiting your local cancer treatment center and setting up an appointment. A cancer treatment center can provide you with a cancer screening as well as simple tips for identifying potential tumors in your day-to-day life (such as spotting strange lumps or discoloration in the mirror). Medical advances are only getting better, but it’s still your responsibility to give yourself a fighting chance should you become one of millions faced with recovery.