Hear from ESTRO President Professor Barbara Jereczek-Fossa: Going Further Together for Radiotherapy
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
Professor Barbara Jereczek-Fossa, radiation oncologist and President of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), reflects on the progress made in radiotherapy and the shared responsibility to ensure that everyone who needs this vital treatment can access it.
World Radiotherapy Awareness Day is an opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest advances in modern cancer care: radiotherapy.
In a special message to mark the day, Professor Barbara Jereczek-Fossa, radiation oncologist and ESTRO President, highlights how decades of scientific progress have transformed radiotherapy, making treatment more precise, more personalised and safer than ever.
For millions of people affected by cancer, this progress can mean hope, cure and a better quality of life. But as Professor Jereczek-Fossa reminds us, innovation alone is not enough.
Recognising the people behind every treatment
Every radiotherapy treatment is made possible by a multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals. Radiation oncologists, therapeutic radiographers and radiation therapists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, nurses, engineers, researchers and many others work together with one shared purpose: to provide the best possible care for every patient.
Their expertise, collaboration and commitment turn scientific and technological advances into safe, effective treatment. World Radiotherapy Awareness Day provides an important opportunity to recognise these teams and increase understanding of the role they play in cancer care around the world.
Turning progress into access
Although radiotherapy has advanced significantly, access remains unequal. Many people who could benefit from treatment are still unable to receive it because of where they live or the resources available within their health system.
Professor Jereczek-Fossa says our responsibility is clear: to ensure that everyone who needs radiotherapy can access it, wherever they live.
Achieving this will require investment not only in technology, but also in people, education, research and strong health systems. It means developing and supporting the skilled workforce needed to deliver high-quality care, continuing to advance
knowledge and ensuring that innovation reaches patients in every part of the world.
Going further together
World Radiotherapy Awareness Day brings patients, professionals, organisations and communities together with one voice for radiotherapy. It is a moment to celebrate how far the field has come, while recognising how much more must be done.
Professor Jereczek-Fossa closes with a call for shared action: “Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come and commit to going further together, so that every patient receives the care they deserve.”
By raising awareness, sharing knowledge and advocating for greater access, we can help more people understand the value of radiotherapy and support lasting change in cancer care worldwide.
Watch Professor Barbara Jereczek-Fossa’s full message and join the global conversation for World Radiotherapy Awareness Day.
