Radiation therapy is an evidence based, cost-effective component of comprehensive cancer care. It has been estimated that 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer should receive radiation therapy as part of their management. However, even in high income countries with universal health care, there is a clear access gap, with many jurisdictions demonstrating ~ 1 in 3 people diagnosed with cancer actually receive radiation therapy. In low- and middle-income countries, there is a huge deficit in the availability of radiation therapy and this continues to grow. Affordability of radiation therapy is an increasing issue.
This talk will outline equity issues resulting in this access gap, including the existing barriers for populations who experience marginalisation. It will also outline how patient referral pathways contribute to the access gap. Current and future solutions, including advocacy, education, policy changes and culturally-specific initiatives will be discussed.