Global Alliance for Radiation Therapy
GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR RADIATION THERAPY
The silent hero of cancer treatment, radiation therapy, was brought out of the shadows at the World Cancer Congress this week.
Radiation therapy is a highly effective treatment for cancer, involved in around 40% of cancer cures, yet it is largely unknown in the general community.
A global alliance of radiation oncology advocacy organisations will work together to educate patients and governments about the importance of radiation therapy.
GlobalRT and the Radiation Oncology: Targeting Cancer campaign met in Melbourne this week to coordinate activities and raise the profile of radiation therapy.
A/Prof Sandra Turner, Chair of the Targeting Cancer campaign and Radiation Oncologist at Westmead Hospital, said a global approach was needed to tackle the worldwide cancer problem.
“Currently, more than half of people living with cancer reside in low and middle-income countries, but only 30% of radiation machines are located in these countries, with a shocking 3% in the lowest income nations,” A/Prof Turner said.
“Over 350 million people lack access to any radiation therapy services and about 200 million reside in one of the 29 African countries that do not have a single radiation machine.
“Even in high income countries like Australia and New Zealand, while 1 in 2 patients could benefit from the treatment, less than 1 in 3 will actually receive it.
“The most common cancers worldwide—lung, breast, and colon—can all benefit from radiation therapy.
“Radiation therapy is also essential to relieve pain caused by cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
“People diagnosed with cancer should be aware of their treatment options and have access to the best treatment, no matter where they live.”
The Radiation Oncology: Targeting Cancer campaign is an education campaign that aims to raise the profile of radiation therapy, it is supported by The Faculty of Radiation Oncology, part of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists. You can find out more about the campaign at www.targetingcancer.com.au.
GlobalRT is a new online community that uses social media to connect patients, providers, and policy-makers who want to improve cancer care and to advocate for global access to radiation therapy. You can find out more about GlobalRT at http://globalrt.org/.
