Highlights From World Radiotherapy Awareness Day

World Radiotherapy Awareness Day, marked on September 7 each year, draws attention to the crucial role radiotherapy plays in cancer treatment. The day was established to commemorate the first use of a medical linear accelerator to treat a patient and to raise global awareness about radiotherapy’s effectiveness and accessibility. Radiotherapy, which uses carefully targeted radiation to treat cancer cells, remains one of the most important treatment methods alongside surgery and chemotherapy.

Several influencers shared thoughtful posts and engaging highlights in honor of World Radiotherapy Day

Ssemata Benjamin:

“Preparing for the future of radiotherapy, together!

In honor of the 1st ever World Radiotherapy Awareness Day, Uganda Cancer Institute we were inspired by the incredible team from NHS England led by Dr Katie Wakeham, Naman Julka-Anderson, Jo McNamara who visited us to deliver continued Professional Training in Head and Neck Cancer RT management using advanced RT techniques.

Their visit perfectly aligned with one of WRAD’s core objectives ‘To Educate’

We are building the skilled RT future that every generation deserves.

This entire September is dedicated to raising awareness. Join the movement this month and feature WRAD on your events!

Visit the WRAD official page for resources.”

World Radiotherapy Awareness Day:

“WRAD co-chair Dr Katie Wakeham discuss the lack of access to radiotherapy in certain parts of the world in an interview with Julie McCrossin AM.

Go to our youtube to see other interview clips.”

Proceed to the video attached to the post.

Castalia Fernández:

“I’m proud to support World Radiotherapy Awareness Day! I believe that as we come together, we can help make sure that everyone facing a cancer diagnosis has access to the life-saving radiotherapy treatment they need.

Values: Accuracy, safety, and empathy. And as Marie Curie said: ‘Nothing in life is to be feared, only understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.’

Learn More.”

Aisling Barry:

“Did you know that

• RT cures nearly half of cancer patients
• 50% of cancer patients will require RT
• RT is delivered by a LINAC which has a 10 year life cycle….

Did you also know that

•  35% of Irelands LINACs are >15 years old
•  40% require replacement within 5 years

Why is this important?

• aging machines = major clinical risk
• patient delays, subopt treatment, reduced cure
•  less access to clinical trials

We ask the public, patients and caregivers, the irish government to develop a national radiotherapy equipment replacement program

National radiotherapy equipment replacement programs exist in Nth Ireland, UK, Canada, Australia and NZ

Annual ring fenced funding to continuously update technology on existing LINACs and ensure outdated machines are no longer treating our patients.”

Fumiko Ladd Chino:

“Celebrating World Radiotherapy Awareness Day with photos of my women Who Curie mom.

When she became a radation oncologist in the 70s, cobolt machines were the only option. Now linear accelerators are standard and next gen tech offers even more power and greater precision.”

ASTRO – American Society for Radiation Oncology:

“Radiation therapy saves lives!

The ASTRO team is proud to spread the word about World Radiation Therapy Awareness Day, a global initiative to ensure that people living with cancer have access to life-saving RT.

Learn more, share, and take part in this important initiative.”

Proceed to the video attached to the post.

Felipe Couñago:

“Today we celebrate World Radiotherapy Day!

On 09/07/1953, the first patient was treated with a LINAC at Hammersmith Hospital, marking the start of modern radiotherapy

Proud to share our new paper in Biomedicines.”

Title: Prognostic Factors Associated with Biochemical Relapse After Radiotherapy in Localized Prostate Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Authors: Nicolas Feltes Benitez, Felipe Couñago, Saturio Paredes Rubio, Manuel Galdeano-Rubio, Esther Jovell-Fernandez

Read the Full Article on Biomedicines.

Jeff Ryckman:

“Honored to support the very first World Radiotherapy Awareness Day today, September 7th!

By working together, we can ensure every person facing cancer has access to life-saving radiotherapy.”

Sandra Turner:

“Listen to this podcast launched on ⁦World Radiotherapy Awareness Day⁩ celebrating benefits of modern safe radiotherapy.

Highlights need for better awareness, education and access to this life-saving treatment.”

Sameer Keole:

“Today is World Radiotherapy Awareness Day!

Grateful to our Australian colleagues for leading the way on this global effort.

Radiotherapy helps millions of patients worldwide—cancer & non-malignant—day after day, year after year.”

You can also read: World Radiotherapy Awareness Day, September 7: Recognizing the Hidden Hero of Cancer Care