Highlights From Brachytherapy Awareness Day by Hathal Haddad

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy used to treat cancer by placing a radioactive source directly inside or next to the tumor. This targeted approach allows for high doses of radiation to be delivered to the cancerous area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. It’s commonly used for cancers such as prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancer.

July 17th marks Brachytherapy Awareness Day, a day dedicated to increasing understanding and recognition of this important cancer treatment option among patients, healthcare providers, and the general public.

Hathal Haddad, Head of Interventional Radiotherapy Unit at University Hospital Tübingen, shared key highlights on LinkedIn on Brachytherapy Awareness Day:

“17th of July is Brachytherapy Awareness Day!

A day to recognize the life-saving potential of one of the most precise and effective forms of cancer treatment—brachytherapy.

From prostate and breast cancer to gynecologic, liver, Head and Neck and skin tumors, brachytherapy delivers high-dose radiation from within, targeting the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It’s personalized, precise, and powerful.

This global initiative is supported by leading professional bodies committed to advancing excellence in brachytherapy:

• AMERICAN BRACHYTHERAPY SOCIETY (ABS)
• European Society for Brachytherapy – ESTRO (GEC-ESTRO), European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)
• Canadian Brachytherapy Group (CBG) CARO ACRO
• Australian Brachytherapy Group (ABG) Australasian Brachytherapy Group
• Indian Brachytherapy Society (IBS)
• Japanese Group of Brachytherapy (JASTRO Brachytherapy Group)

Let us unite globally to highlight the role of brachytherapy in modern oncology—because every patient deserves access to the best.”

“Happy Brachytherapy Awareness Day!

Today, we celebrate the precision, progress, and global collaboration that define brachytherapy — a powerful cancer treatment improving outcomes while preserving quality of life.

The Tübingen Brachytherapy Team at Radiation Oncology Tübingen from University Hospital Tübingen and University of Tübingen proudly joins this global initiative — celebrating our shared commitment to advancing patient-centered, image-guided, and personalized cancer care.

We congratulate and stand with all colleagues, researchers, and professional societies who continue to innovate and expand access to brachytherapy worldwide.”

“Brachytherapy Awareness Day!

Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer – At Every Stage

We can offer brachytherapy as an effective treatment option across all stages of prostate cancer:

• Low-risk
• Intermediate-risk
• High-risk (as Boost with external beam radiotherapy)
• Salvage therapy when needed.

Let’s raise awareness of this precise, organ-preserving modality.”

“Brachytherapy Awareness Day

Brachytherapy for Liver Tumors

Brachytherapy plays an important role in the treatment of liver cancers—both primary and secondary tumors. As a form of interventional radiotherapy, it offers a precise, organ-preserving approach, especially for cases where other options are limited or not feasible.

Let’s continue to raise awareness and expand access to this powerful treatment modality.”

“Brachytherapy Awareness Day | Honoring Dedication Through Crisis

During the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, when the world was filled with uncertainty and disruption, we in the GEC ESTRO Urology Group (UroGEC) did not stop.

Even without in-person meetings, we continued to collaborate online — united by a shared mission to safeguard cancer care for our patients with prostate, penile, and urinary bladder cancers. Amid lockdowns and global strain on healthcare systems, we managed not only to maintain essential services but also to move forward with scientific work.

One major achievement: we finalized the updated recommendations for prostate brachytherapy, which were successfully published in 2022 — a testament to what is possible when commitment meets collaboration.

On this day, I would like to thank all the supernatural heroes in white and green coats who worked tirelessly during this period. Your resilience, passion, and dedication made a real difference.”

“Brachytherapy Awareness Day

Cervical cancer remains one of the most critical indications for interventional radiotherapy—brachytherapy is not only essential, it is irreplaceable (EMBRACE I and II Studies).

Whether in the definitive treatment setting, in combination with external beam radiotherapy, or in the salvage setting, brachytherapy plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal outcomes.

Let us continue to raise awareness and advocate for access to this life-saving modality worldwide.”

You Can Also Read:

Is Brachytherapy Right for You? The Science, Benefits, and Drawbacks Explained