Executive Director’s Message – June 2026

While observing National Cancer Survivors Day on June 7, we are reminded that survivorship is not simply a milestone reached at the end of treatment — it is a lifelong journey marked by strength, resilience and hope.

Letter to the Editor

Michael and I want to say thank you for helping us and getting us in to see Dr. Dagan. Dr. Dagan has been a wealth of information and the personal touch from him, his nurse Melissa, to the team who is actually doing the radiation is comforting and very much appreciated.

Three Friends, Three Prostate Cancer Diagnoses—and One Shared Path to Proton Therapy

A Tallahassee friendship spans decades—and guides three men through prostate cancer treatment at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, highlighting the impact of shared knowledge, patient advocacy and advanced radiation therapy.

Patients’ Voices Bring Chime Stories to Radio Listeners

For many patients at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, ringing Aud’s Chime in the main lobby is a moment they will never forget. It marks the end of radiation therapy—and the start of a new chapter.

20 Years of Progress in Proton Therapy: The Early Years

The 20-year history of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute continues with the first patients treated in 2006, rapid growth and expansion of cancers treated and international reach.

Latest Research Publications from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

Each research study published is one step forward to better understanding cancer and the effectiveness of cancer treatment options. View the latest publications by our physicians and physicists, either as primary investigators or coauthors with oncology experts from around the world.

Blog Spot: A Radiation Treatment Guide for Prostate Cancer

For those who are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer and are considering radiation therapy such as proton therapy for treatment, we have developed a guide to understanding the role of radiation treatment in managing prostate cancer and questions to ask your radiation oncologist.

Proton Therapy News Roundup June 2026

• Video Game Truck Brought Fun to Pediatric Patients
• IBA Celebrates 40th Anniversary
• International Symposium on Proton Therapy

Executive Director’s Message – April 2026

As we welcome April—Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month—we are reminded that these diagnoses can affect some of the most essential parts of daily life: speaking, eating, swallowing and connecting with others.

Letter to the Editor

I did 7 weeks of proton therapy. 34 rounds of radiation. It was hard, but the doctors and staff were excellent. This is the best institute I have ever seen or experienced.

John Ogle’s Active Lifestyle Anchored Him During Cancer Journey

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

Three Questions with Dr. Bill Mendenhall

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?

My Journey with the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

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.

Community Event for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors April 23, 2026

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.

National Proton Conference Includes the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in Leading Roles and Recognition

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

Future Patient Access to Proton Therapy is the Focus of NAPT Physician Advisory Committee

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).

Latest Research Publications from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute

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

Blog Spot: Current Evidence on Proton Therapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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.

Proton Therapy News Brief Roundup – April 2026

• CME Webinar Presented by UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and Global Partners
• Faculty Promotions
• UF Health Cancer Institute Again Recognized as a Florida Cancer Center of Excellence
• Local Students Welcomed for Behind-the-Scenes Tour
• UF College of Medicine Renames Department of Radiation Oncology
• 56th Annual UF Radiation Oncology Research Seminar

A Personal Challenge Met with Inner Strength and Teamwork

Drew Rogers is always up for a little friendly competition. An accomplished hockey player and Dragon Boat paddler and coach, he enjoys the challenge and teamwork.