Why WRAD Matters: Jeff White Shares His Tonsil Cancer Experience
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
For Jeff White, raising awareness of radiotherapy is both a professional and deeply personal commitment.
Jeff works in communications at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and is a member of the World Radiotherapy Awareness Day (WRAD) Committee. He is also someone who had tonsil cancer and has chosen to speak openly about his diagnosis and treatment experience.
In this video, Jeff reflects on receiving his cancer diagnosis and explains why he believes it is important for patients to share their experiences. By speaking honestly about what he went through, he hopes to help other people feel better informed and less alone as they face their own diagnosis and treatment.
Helping patients understand radiotherapy
A cancer diagnosis can bring uncertainty, fear and many questions. For patients who have never encountered radiotherapy before, the treatment itself may also feel unfamiliar or difficult to understand. Hearing directly from someone who has experienced cancer treatment can help make the process feel more relatable. Patient stories provide a human perspective that facts and figures alone cannot always convey. They can help people understand what treatment may involve, encourage them to ask questions and offer reassurance during an overwhelming time.
Jeff’s experience also demonstrates why clear and accessible communication is so important. Giving patients reliable information can help them feel better prepared for conversations with their healthcare teams and more confident in understanding their care.
Why Jeff supports WRAD
Through his professional role at ASTRO and his involvement with the WRAD Committee, Jeff understands the importance of improving public awareness of radiotherapy. His experience as a patient gives him an additional and powerful perspective on that mission.
World Radiotherapy Awareness Day brings patients, healthcare professionals, organisations and advocates together to improve understanding of radiotherapy and recognise its vital role in cancer care. It also provides an opportunity to challenge misconceptions, celebrate the people who deliver treatment and advocate for equitable access to safe, high-quality radiotherapy around the world.
By sharing his story, Jeff is helping to put the patient voice at the heart of this global conversation.
Watch the full video to hear Jeff talk about his tonsil cancer diagnosis, why he chose to share his experience and what World Radiotherapy Awareness Day means to him.
To get involved, take a look at our resources page and share your story.
