News 12 Long Island – Lake Ronkonkoma Man Uses Proton-Based Radiation to Successfully fight Prostate Cancer
A Second Chance: Stuart Bain’s Prostate Cancer Journey at NYPC
Stuart Bain wasn’t looking for a cancer diagnosis. When the Lake Ronkonkoma resident went to his doctor for joint pain during a routine visit, but a simple decision to add a PSA test to his bloodwork changed everything.
“I was lucky,” Bain said. “If you’re 40-years-old, next time you get a blood test add a PSA to it. It can’t hurt.”
That prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test detected what his doctors suspected: prostate cancer. Rather than face the uncertainty, Bain chose to act. He turned to the New York Proton Center, where a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including Dr. Irini Yacoub, an attending radiation oncologist at NYPC, used precision proton-based radiation therapy to treat his cancer.
Today, Stuart is cancer free.
Early Detection Saves Lives
As September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Bain is sharing his story to encourage other men to prioritize early screening. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime—yet many don’t know it’s highly treatable when caught early.
“Prostate cancer is one of the most common yet treatable cancers that we face today, and we have so many effective options for it,” Dr. Yacoub said. “Many patients after treatment go on to enjoy a good quality of life after treatment, but early detection is so important.”
Why Proton Therapy
Proton therapy offers precision that conventional radiation cannot match. By targeting cancer cells with millimeter accuracy while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, proton therapy allows patients like Bain to maintain their quality of life during and after treatment.
At NYPC, our team works closely with each patient to design a personalized treatment plan. The result: effective cancer treatment with fewer side effects and a faster return to normal life.