2 September 2025
This Sunday, we will be celebrating the first-ever World Radiotherapy Awareness Day. ASMIRT is proud to support this historic event and contribute to the international conversation through a series of initiatives for our members and community.
Why is World Radiotherapy Awareness Day celebrated on 7 September? Because on this day in 1953, the first patient was treated with a linear accelerator – a breakthrough that changed cancer care forever.
Today, radiotherapy or radiation therapy is proven to cure, improve quality of life, and extend survival rates for people with many types of cancer.
On this occasion, our very own Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences has released a virtual issue featuring articles on the evolution and importance of radiotherapy in modern cancer care.
In Australia, around 35–40% of cancer patients receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment. However, 50% could potentially benefit from it. Together, we can amplify the message "One Voice for Radiotherapy” to ensure that every person who is eligible has access to life-saving radiation therapy.
Earlier this year, ASMIRT joined the RANZCR’s Targeting Cancer initiative alongside NZSMIRT and CNSA to inform and improve access to radiation therapy across Australia and New Zealand. For WRAD, we are proud to raise "One Voice for Radiotherapy” and reshare the That’s Where We Come In video, highlighting the united multidisciplinary teams delivering compassionate, patient-centred care.
To spread awareness even further, ASMIRT is also creating a video featuring radiation therapists in Australia – keep an eye on our social media channels for the release. We encourage all members and followers to share, engage, and be part of the celebration. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates.
Is radiation therapy painful? Does it make people radioactive? Radiation therapy is one of the most effective cancer treatments, but myths and misunderstandings still surround it. That’s why Targeting Cancer has published a new article to help patients make informed and confident decisions.
And if you need inspiration, look no further than Ron’s story – a powerful reminder of resilience and hope. Ron shares his personal journey through head and neck cancer and how radiation therapy played a life-saving role in his recovery.
In the lead-up of World Radiotherapy Awareness Day, ASMIRT joins the global community in shining a light on the vital role of radiotherapy in cancer care. Together, with one united voice, we can raise awareness and advocate for greater access to this life-saving treatment.
