For patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, proton therapy improves survival rates, reduces side effects like dry mouth, mouth soreness and changes in appetite, and has the potential to reduce radiation dose and deintensify treatment because it is so targeted.

Each research study published is one step forward to better understanding cancer and the effectiveness of cancer treatment options.

I recently had the privilege of representing our institution at the National Association for Proton Therapy’s (NAPT) annual conference as a member of the Physician Advisory Committee (PAC).

This year’s National Proton Conference (NPC 2026) was held in Nashville, Tenn., and gathered experts in proton therapy from around the country.

A new educational gathering—supported by the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation—focuses on the “what now?” questions after treatment and connects attendees with practical tools and local resources.

In the spring of 2022, I started noticing something unusual. Breathing through my nose became difficult, and at first, I chalked it up to the usual seasonal allergies. But this time, it felt different.

With over 40 years of radiation oncology experience, what advice would you give a person who is newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer and needs radiation?

His active lifestyle and running routine helped him through a rough time last year when he was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer on his lip.