Now, let's get geeky for a second and talk about the science behind proton beam therapy. Essentially, it works by using protons to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It's like a super-precise surgery, but instead of scalpels, it uses proton beams to get the job done.
But here's the thing: proton beam therapy is still a relatively new treatment, and it's not widely available. In fact, there are only a handful of proton therapy centers in the US. So, if you're diagnosed with prostate cancer and want to try proton beam therapy, you might have to travel to get it. And that's where Medicare coverage comes in – to help make it more accessible.