Raising Awareness for Radiotherapy: Why it matters

At the recent BIR Conference in London, Dr. Katie Wakeham delivered a compelling talk that underscored the vital role of radiotherapy in cancer treatment. One of the key highlights of her presentation was the launch of World Radiotherapy Awareness Day (WRAD), an initiative aimed at increasing global awareness of radiotherapy's impact on cancer care.

Why World Radiotherapy Awareness Day Matters

Radiotherapy plays a critical role in cancer treatment, contributing to the cure of around 40% of cancers and being a necessary part of treatment for approximately half of all cancer patients. Despite its significance, radiotherapy often remains overlooked in national cancer control plans and underrepresented in policy discussions.

WRAD was established to bridge this gap, providing a platform for professionals, policymakers, and the public to recognize and advocate for the essential role of radiotherapy. The day serves as a call to action to:

• Highlight the importance of equitable access to radiotherapy services worldwide.

• Educate stakeholders on the cost-effectiveness and life-saving potential of radiotherapy.

• Advocate for stronger policy integration of radiotherapy.

• Celebrate the contributions of radiotherapy professionals and innovations in the field.

A Global Call for Change

Dr. Wakeham emphasized that 3 billion people worldwide live in countries with no access to radiotherapy or without a structured radiotherapy plan in place. This stark reality reinforces the urgent need for awareness and coordinated global action.

She highlighted key disparities in access, noting that while high-income countries might have five to ten radiotherapy machines per million people, some low-income regions operate with just one machine for millions. This disparity is especially concerning in regions where cancers that rely heavily on radiotherapy—such as cervical and nasopharyngeal cancers—are most prevalent.

Mobilizing the Global Community

As part of the awareness campaign, WRAD will be recognized through educational events, global collaborations, and advocacy efforts at key international oncology and radiotherapy conferences, including ALATRO, AORTIC, ASTRO, CACA, ESTRO, FARO, MESTRO, PROS, RCR, and SIOP.

How You Can Get Involved

The success of WRAD depends on widespread engagement from healthcare professionals, policymakers, patient advocacy groups, and the general public. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Spread the Word: Share information about WRAD on social media and within professional networks.

• Engage in Policy Discussions: Advocate for stronger radiotherapy inclusion in national healthcare policies.

• Support Local and Global Initiatives: Collaborate with organizations working to improve radiotherapy access.

• Attend WRAD Events: Participate in discussions, webinars, and conferences to learn more about the latest advancements in radiotherapy.

Looking Ahead

The launch of World Radiotherapy Awareness Day marks a significant step in ensuring that radiotherapy gets the attention it deserves in global cancer care strategies. As Dr. Wakeham aptly stated, the lack of awareness at the policy level is a critical barrier to progress. WRAD seeks to break this cycle by educating, advocating, and mobilizing action to make radiotherapy accessible for all who need it.

Learn more about WRAD on our website and/or follow the campaign online. Together, we can work towards a world where no cancer patient is denied access to life-saving radiotherapy.