The cancer treatment you should know about – from our 6,000th patient

CANCER CARE WITH FEWER SIDE EFFECTS: 6,000 AND COUNTING

Ed Laska, a 71-year-old bartender from Staten Island, NY, had scheduled several visits to treatment facilities after his prostate cancer diagnosis in early 2021. But he only made one stop: To ProCure Proton Therapy Center.

He said two reasons drove his decision to choose ProCure:

• Its proton therapy treatment had fewer side effects than traditional radiation treatment
• A welcoming environment that included a state-of-the-art facility and an attentive staff

“I could always see them smiling through their masks,” Ed said.

Ed was shocked by his diagnosis. Luckily, a family friend had just completed treatment for cancer at ProCure and suggested he schedule an appointment.

In his consultation with our Medical Director Dr. Brian Chon, Ed heard the words he’ll never forget. “Dr. Chon said ‘This is curable,’ ” Ed remembered. “When someone says that to you, it turns you completely around.”

On Jan. 17, 2022, Ed became the 6,000th patient to complete treatment at our Center – a major milestone for a us as we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary this year as the tri-state region’s first proton therapy center.

“We were truly honored to play a part in Mr. Laska’s cancer journey,” Dr. Chon said. “Mr. Laska and patients like him put their trust in us, and we take that trust very seriously. Treating 6,000 patients is a testament to the great team we have at ProCure and the effectiveness of proton therapy.”

Proton therapy is a highly advanced form of radiation treatment that safely and precisely destroys cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

“It didn’t hurt. I didn’t feel a thing,” Laska said. “After I get out of a treatment session, I continue my normal schedule.” Ed added that the attention he received at ProCure’s entire staff made for an exceptional experience.

“I feel tremendous about the whole thing,” he said. “Everyone at ProCure was super friendly and did everything they could to help me out. It is an honor to be their 6,000th patient. Before I was diagnosed, I was fortunate enough to know somebody who had treatment at ProCure and they guided me during the decision-making process. I had a leg up and would love to give back in the same way.”