The Society of Radiographers has voiced its support for the launch of a World Radiotherapy Awareness Day (WRAD) in 2025, to highlight and recognise the work of Therapeutic Radiographers and promote radiotherapy awareness in the UK.
With the date yet to be confirmed, WRAD aims to bring awareness to the nature of radiotherapy and emphasise the existing regional and national disparities in radiotherapy access for patients. It is intended to educate patients, healthcare staff, the general public and decision makers in government.
At this time, the Society and other healthcare bodies are rallying together to raise awareness for, and garner support for, an official WRAD. The current support base also includes oncology and radiology professionals, patients and campaigners.
Those that have joined the campaign will be expected to contribute to key elements of shaping WRAD 2025, such as the date, the overarching theme and the logo.
Gathering support
Charlotte Beardmore, the SoR’s executive director of professional policy, said the Society is pleased to support a WRAD for 2025 and bring a global awareness to radiotherapy.
"The Society of Radiographers is delighted to be working with worldwide cancer organisations and professional bodies today in developing a World Radiotherapy Awareness Day for 2025,” she said.
“This collaborative work is focused on developing a worldwide commitment to highlight the significance of radiotherapy as a crucial treatment for cancer patients and is vitally important.
"World Radiotherapy Awareness Day will bring together professional organisations and professionals - including our therapeutic radiography members - from around the globe to raise awareness among key stakeholders. The goal will be to ensure that radiotherapy services are properly planned and made available, guaranteeing equitable access for all patients in need of this vital cancer treatment.”
On 14 November 2024, London Global Cancer Week held two sessions centred on creating an established WRAD. The event aimed to garner support for a yearly WRAD from Therapeutic Radiographers across all job types, including oncology professionals and industry representatives.
Sarah Quinlan, charity director at Radiotherapy UK, said the sessions at London Global Cancer Week had allowed for collaboration and support for a future WRAD.
"We were really proud to co-host two World Radiotherapy Awareness Day sessions during London Global Cancer Week,” she said. “Supporting the global radiotherapy community to come together for the benefit of all patients represents our deepest values: working collaboratively, supporting each other with our shared aims and telling the world just how powerful modern radiotherapy can be.”
"We are feeling incredibly enthusiastic and mobilised for the next steps and can’t wait to work side by side with our supporters to make this awareness day a powerful reality.”