Cancer, a single word used to define a malignant growth or tumor. With advances in medical research and treatment, those diagnosed with cancer now have multiple treatment options. Such research and advances in treatments are made possible by research and/or funding, provided by diverse entities such as private treatment providers, non-profit organizations, and others in support of the cause.

Some cancers have gained high profiles, due to associations with famous athletes. For example, Lance Armstrong has garnered much media attention after successfully winning a battle with testicular cancer that had metastasized to his brain and lungs. He went on to win the Tour de France multiple times. After his battle with cancer, Armstrong started the Lance Armstrong Foundation, or livestrong, to promote and raise funds for cancer treatments.

Other organizations raising awareness and research dollars for various cancers include Race for the Cure, sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which promotes breast cancer awareness and research funding through licensed product sales.

Another type of cancer, prostate cancer, tends to affect older men. Anyone diagnosed with prostate cancer should explore every alternative prostate cancer treatment with one’s oncologist. One such option includes seed brachytherapy, an internal low dose radiation treatment.

This alternative prostate cancer treatment differs from other prostate cancer treatments such as radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy, cryosurgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and watchful waiting. Cesium 131 cancer treatment, such as the therapy provided by Cesium 131, is a type of seed brachytherapy for those diagnosed with prostate cancer.