Cork Cancer Centre highlights vital role of radiotherapy in treatment

Continued investment in radiation therapies is vital, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork Cancer Centre (CUH/UCC Cancer Centre) has said.

Monday marks World Radiotherapy Awareness Day (WRAD), celebrated internationally on September 7 to commemorate the first patient treated with radiotherapy.

The theme for World Radiotherapy Awareness Day 2025-2027 is "One Voice for Radiotherapy", a call for the global community to unite and speak with one voice to ensure that every patient, everywhere, has access to safe, effective and life-saving radiotherapy.

Over half of people with cancer require radiotherapy as part of their treatment, and WRAD aims to highlight the global need for radiotherapy and increase understanding of the challenges that prevent many patients from receiving this critical treatment.

The campaign also seeks to educate healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients, caregivers and the public about the central role radiotherapy plays in comprehensive cancer care.

Clara Cremin, clinical specialist radiation therapist at CUH/UCC Cancer Centre, said: “World Radiotherapy Awareness Day provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about the vital role radiotherapy plays in cancer treatment and to recognise the dedicated professionals who deliver these services every day.

“At CUH/UCC Cancer Centre, we are proud to support the global message of 'One Voice for Radiotherapy' and advocate for equitable access to high-quality radiotherapy services for all patients who need it.” 

She said that access to radiotherapy relies on a highly skilled multidisciplinary workforce, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists, nurses, and many other healthcare professionals and clinical trials colleagues, but it also depends on ongoing investment in equipment.

WRAD underscores the importance of maintaining a well-educated, adequately resourced workforce, while continuing to invest in and expand radiotherapy capacity including increasing the number of linear accelerators to meet the growing demand for cancer services and ensure timely access to treatment for patients.

Prof Aisling Barry, chair of radiation oncology, cancer research at UCC and chair of ISRO advocacy group, said: “Radiotherapy is one of the most effective and evidence-based treatments available for cancer patients.

“Today we recognise, not only the impact of radiotherapy on patient outcomes in Ireland and worldwide, but also the expertise, dedication and compassion of the multidisciplinary teams who support our patient.

“Working together with one voice, we can continue to raise awareness and support improved access to radiotherapy services worldwide.”