World Radiotherapy Awareness Day in the making: Reflections from AORTIC 2025

Ummi Musa Umar, Radiation Therapist, Public Health Specialist, and Cancer Advocate shares her WRAD experience.

When I first joined the global discussions that led to the birth of World Radiotherapy Awareness Day (WRAD), I never imagined how far the movement would come in such a short time. From brainstorming sessions with the Global Coalition for Radiotherapy to the spotlight events during London Global Cancer Week, it was a collaborative journey shaped by passion, purpose, and the need to give radiotherapy its own voice on the global stage.

I still remember the excitement of helping to define the date, the slogan, and the vision for WRAD - a day dedicated not just to celebrating technology, but to honouring the people behind the beams: radiation therapists, medical physicists, and clinical oncologists who work quietly but tirelessly to give patients a fighting chance. I was also honoured to feature in the early publicity video that helped launch the campaign to the world.

Fast forward to November 2025, at the AORTIC Conference in Hammamet, Tunisia, where I met two incredible volunteers from the WRAD team – Professor Sandra Turner and Dr Katie Wakeham. We instantly connected at the WRAD exhibition stand, bonded by shared enthusiasm for advancing awareness, access, and equity in cancer care. As we talked, I shared how, in Nigeria, our community of radiotherapists are proudly supporting the WRAD celebration on 7th of September, using social media collaboration to raise awareness about the life-saving role of radiotherapy.

Our conversation naturally turned to World Radiography Day, which was just a few days away. Inspired by our shared energy, Professor Sandra and I recorded a short video - one that not only celebrated radiographers but also emphasized why radiotherapy deserves its own dedicated day. We spoke about the need for stronger visibility of radiotherapy as a core component of cancer treatment, the importance of multidisciplinary inclusion, and the recognition of radiation therapists as major stakeholders in oncology decision-making.

In many low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, access to radiotherapy remains a significant challenge. Yet, every patient story and every therapist’s effort matter. A dedicated global day like WRAD doesn’t just raise awareness - it also humanizes the field, reminding the world that behind every beam is a team of skilled professionals, empathy, and precision working together to save lives.

As both a radiation therapist and a public health advocate, I see WRAD as more than a calendar event - it’s a movement. It’s an opportunity to bridge gaps in awareness, promote investment in radiotherapy infrastructure, and inspire young professionals to see this field as a calling, not just a career.

My experience at AORTIC reaffirmed the global solidarity behind this movement - from conversations in Hammamet to collaborations across continents, the radiotherapy community is rising with one voice: to make radiotherapy visible, accessible, and equitable for all.

Here’s to many more WRADs to come - shining light on the unsung heroes of cancer care and reminding the world that #RadiotherapySavesLives

#OneVoiceforRadiotherapy #WorldRTDay

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Contributed by By Ummi Musa Umar, Radiation Therapist, Public Health Specialist, and Cancer Advocate, Nigeria