In his World Cancer Day message, Dr Tuan Ha, Dean of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), highlights the importance of honouring each person’s unique cancer journey and advocates for equitable, compassionate, and personalised cancer care:

“As an oncologist, I’m often asked what cancer is really like. The honest answer is: it’s different for everyone.
No two cancers are the same.
No two patients are the same.
And no two journeys are ever identical.
Behind every diagnosis is a person with their own fears, strengths, culture, family, and hopes for the future. That’s what United by Unique means to me. We are united by a shared goal—to reduce the impact of cancer—but we must honour the individuality of every person affected by it.

Radiation therapy is often described in technical terms—fractions, fields, doses—but at its heart, it is deeply personal. Each plan is shaped around a unique individual: their cancer, their body, their life, and what matters most to them.

Where a person lives, their income or their background should not determine their survival. It is imperative that we continue to advocate for closing gaps in screening, diagnosis and treatment worldwide. Equity is a moral and medical imperative.

United by Unique reminds us that while cancer affects many of us, each person’s story deserves to be heard and respected. Our strength comes from bringing together science, technology, and human connection—working as a team with patients, families, and colleagues to deliver care that is both precise and compassionate.

Today, we acknowledge our differences, respect each story, and draw strength from one another.
United by our humanity.
United by our commitment.
United by the belief that every person matters.

Together, we can reduce the impact of cancer and move closer to a world where cancer no longer defines a person future.”