Milan, 7 September 2026 — Today, on World Radiotherapy Awareness Day, we want to deliver a clear message: radiotherapy is one of the most powerful tools we have against cancer.

Radiotherapy is estimated to contribute to approximately 40% of all cancer cures worldwide, either alone or in combination with other treatments (1)—yet it remains one of the most under-recognised and underfunded fields in oncology. Thanks to rapid technological advances, modern radiation therapy is extraordinarily precise, highly personalised, and safer than ever before, sparing healthy tissue while delivering powerful, targeted treatment in fewer sessions than ever — wider use of hypofractionation in prostate and breast cancer alone could extend treatment to 2.2 million more patients worldwide using existing resources (2).

Despite this progress, access remains uneven. More than one in four cancer patients in Europe who need radiotherapy do not receive it (3). This gap costs lives and outcomes that are otherwise within reach.

On World Radiotherapy Awareness Day, ESTRO calls on the global healthcare community:

• For Healthcare Policymakers: Prioritise sustained investment in radiotherapy infrastructure and workforce — global demand is projected to require the radiotherapy workforce to grow by more than 60% by 2050 (4) — integrating radiation therapy into national cancer control plans as a first-line, curative option.
• For Physicians & Clinical Colleagues: Enhance interdisciplinary dialogue so every cancer patient is evaluated for radiotherapy at the right time in their care trajectory.
• For Patients & the Public: Join us in speaking up for equal access to radiotherapy, and encourage those facing a diagnosis to ask their care team whether radiotherapy is right for them.

This vision drives ESTRO's work every day of the year. Through continuous scientific dissemination, research networking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and educational programmes, we work tirelessly to advance radiation oncology and elevate the standard of patient care.

Behind every treatment is a patient, a family, and hope for tomorrow. Every patient deserves access to accurate information and world-class care.

Today, ESTRO stands with our global community to reaffirm our commitment to innovation, patient safety, and equitable access to radiotherapy for all.

Radiotherapy saves millions of lives. Let's ensure the world knows it.

Prof Barbara Jereczek-Fossa

ESTRO President

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(1) Atun, R., et al. (2015). Expanding global access to radiotherapy. The Lancet Oncology, 16(10), 1153-1186.

(2) Abdel-Wahab, M., et al. (2024). Radiotherapy and theranostics: a Lancet Oncology Commission. Lancet Oncology, 25(11), e545–e580.

(3) Borras, J. M., et al. (2015). The optimal utilization rate of radiotherapy in Europe: An overview of the HERO project. Radiotherapy and Oncology, 116(1), 38-44.

(4) Zhu, H., et al. (2024). Global radiotherapy demands and corresponding radiotherapy-professional workforce requirements in 2022 and predicted to 2050: a population-based study. Lancet Global Health, 12(12), e1945–e1953.