Radiation therapy is a component of cure in around 40% of cancer patients. However, radiation therapy as a useful treatment for cancer cure and palliation has traditionally had a lower profile compared to surgery and systemic therapies (chemotherapy). This has likely contributed to the utilisation rates for this form of treatment being lower than ideal, even in developed countries such as Australia and New Zealand. The issue is compounded by geographic distance and lack of knowledge of referring general practitioners (GPs) and specialists about the effectiveness of radiation therapy as a cancer treatment.
The Faculty of Radiation Oncology at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) launched an initiative in October 2013 aimed at raising the profile of radiation therapy as a sophisticated, highly targeted, effective and cost-effective form of cancer treatment that often cures patients and/or improves their quality of life.
The Targeting Cancer campaign, which aims to de-mystify radiation therapy and highlight the safety and quality of modern treatment, is centred on an informative website aimed at consumers and family members as well as GPs. It contains up-to date information about the types, benefits and side effects of radiation therapy, including videos and patient stories. The website is regularly expanded with interesting news items and the latest information.
Through traditional and social media, the campaign has already reached in excess of 4.5 million people. Through ongoing advocacy, we aim to ensure that all patients in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond, are referred for, and can access, high quality radiation therapy where evidence has shown this might help them.
We seek COSA members' support and ideas to keep building a successful campaign