World Radiotherapy Awareness Day: Improving Access to Cancer Care Beyond Technology

Radiotherapy has become an important part of modern cancer treatment, helping doctors control disease, manage cancer related symptoms and, in many cases, support curative treatment. However, for radiation oncologists, its significance extends beyond the technology and machines used to deliver radiation. At the centre of every treatment plan is a patient dealing with uncertainty, anxiety and concerns about what lies ahead.

For many patients, the first visit to a radiation oncology department can be accompanied by fear of the treatment and its possible impact on their health and daily life. With appropriate counselling, treatment planning and medical support, many gradually develop confidence as they begin to see changes in their condition. A tumour may respond to treatment, cancer related pain may reduce and patients may gradually return to their families, work and everyday routines.

Dr. Anil Thakwani, Director and Head, Radiation Oncology, Institute of Cancer Care at ShardaCare Healthcity, said radiotherapy should be viewed through the experience of the patient rather than only through the technology involved.

“Radiotherapy is much more than a machine delivering radiation. It is hope, precision and a second chance at life. Over the years, I have seen patients walk into the radiation oncology department frightened and uncertain, and leave with renewed confidence. I have seen tumours shrink, pain disappear and patients return to their families. Most importantly, I have witnessed the possibility of cure where there was once only fear,” he said.

Radiotherapy has evolved considerably over the years. Conventional radiation techniques have been complemented by approaches such as intensity modulated radiation therapy, image guided radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy and brachytherapy. These techniques allow treatment teams to plan radiation more precisely and target tumours while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Advances in medical imaging, computer based treatment planning and medical physics have also contributed to improvements in the accuracy and safety of radiotherapy. However, access to these advancements remains an important part of the cancer care conversation.

Patients living away from major cities may have to travel long distances for treatment. Since radiotherapy often involves multiple visits over a period of time, travel expenses, accommodation, time away from work and other indirect costs can place an additional burden on families. The challenge can become greater for patients who have limited financial resources.

Dr. Thakwani said that improving access needs to remain as important as improving technology.

“The greatest advancement in radiotherapy means little if a patient cannot access it. We need more radiotherapy centres, modern technology, trained manpower and affordable treatment, particularly for patients who live far from major cities or cannot afford prolonged cancer treatment,” he said.

World Radiotherapy Awareness Day therefore offers an opportunity to look at cancer treatment from a broader perspective. The objective is not only to treat the tumour but also to help patients maintain their quality of life and return to the people, responsibilities and activities that matter to them.

According to Dr. Thakwani, the future of radiotherapy will depend on combining technological progress with compassionate and accessible cancer care.

“Every cancer patient deserves access to the right treatment, at the right time, delivered safely and compassionately. For me, radiotherapy is not just about technology. It is about the patient behind the tumour, the family behind the patient, and the life we are trying to give back. Let us continue to innovate and learn, but above all, let us continue to care,” he said.

As cancer care continues to evolve, expanding radiotherapy infrastructure, strengthening trained manpower and making treatment more affordable will remain important. The larger goal is to ensure that the benefits of advances in radiation oncology are available not only to patients in metropolitan centres but also to those living in smaller cities and rural areas.

Ultimately, the purpose of radiotherapy lies not simply in delivering radiation, but in making effective cancer treatment accessible to patients when they need it and helping them return to the lives they value.

 

Also check : 5 Early Signs of Prostate Cancer Men Often Ignore: Here’s How to Spot Them