WRAD at ESTRO 2026: Amplifying Voices for Radiotherapy

At ESTRO 26 in Stockholm, World Radiotherapy Awareness Day was featured during a plenary panel session entitled:  Amplifying Radiotherapy Voices: Media and More.

Sandra Turner facilitated the panel, comprising: Katie Wakeham (co-chair WRAD), Ben Ssemata (radiation therapist, Uganda), Barbara Jerazek-Fossa (President of ESTRO), Meryl (cancer patient representative, Board European Cancer XX and Filippo Alongi (radiation oncologist, Italy).

The focus of the panel was around the important role radiotherapy professionals can have in advocating for radiotherapy in their regions and the high value of partnering with patients in these endeavours. Methods for amplifying the multiple voices working in the advocacy space were explored. As the abstract explained:

“The lack of awareness and misconceptions about radiotherapy lead to chronic lack of funding in most parts of the world, resulting in many people with cancer missing out on the treatment they need. Panel members will discuss the challenges in public and patient perceptions of radiotherapy, the dire consequences of this poor image and awareness problem, as well as ways we, as radiation oncology professionals in partnership with patients, can turn the situation around.”

Ben’s Ssemata’s message highlighted the lack of knowledge around cancer generally, let alone about treatments.  He told the powerful story of a local woman being cured of her cancer and then taking this positive message back to her community to reduce fear and increase acceptance amongst others of radiotherapy as a safe, effective treatment.

The situation in his lower income country contrasted with Filippo’s work raising awareness of radiotherapy amongst lay audiences in Europe through multiple media appearances. Katie Wakeham shared the WRAD Vision, objectives and highlights so far. Barbara Jerezek-Fossa spoke to ESTRO’s plans to more deeply integrate the patient voice into all areas of the society.

Merel Hennink from Cancer Patients Europe shed light on what we need to change in our communication and messaging to ensure people know about and can access radiotherapy. She showed the image below of the three cancer treatment doors, including the small, closed door into darkness for radiotherapy, an apt illustration of the work still ahead of us.

Building Global Momentum Through ESTRO’s National Societies

At the opening of ESTRO 26 in Stockholm, World Radiotherapy Awareness Day provided an update during the National Societies event regarding the success of the campaign launch and its future strategy. The ESTRO National Societies serve as a network of national professional organizations representing radiation and clinical oncologists, radiotherapy technologists, medical physicists, and radiobiologists. The primary aim is to align education, guidelines and clinical standards in order to improve cancer care worldwide.

Katie Wakeham, co-chair of WRAD, highlighted the inaugural year’s focus on establishing a credible and visible campaign to encourage participation from radiotherapy health professionals and societies. The engagement from the professional community saw the launch of the WRAD logo and the statement “One Voice for Radiotherapy,” which aims to unite the radiotherapy community and amplify the message to reach a diverse global audience. 

In 2025, WRAD achieved over 350,000 interactions on social media, with posts originating from 109 countries. The involvement of radiotherapy professionals and cancer institutions significantly contributed to participation, as many shared their insights and personal testimonies. Additionally, endorsement from radiotherapy professional societies further enhanced collaborative efforts, with over 75 societies pledging their support for WRAD.

Join us for WRAD 2026

World Radiotherapy Awareness Day returns on 7 September 2026. Whether you are planning an open day, webinar, awareness campaign or community event, add your voice to the global movement. Register your event and help us speak with One VOcie for Radiotherapy.

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