Equity should know no borders: The role of Australasian radiation oncologists in supporting radiation oncology services in low- and middle-income countries in the Asia-Pacific
Corresponding Author
Sean Hassan
Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Correspondence
Dr Sean Hassan, Department of Radiation Oncology, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAndrew Oar
Icon Cancer Centre, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorIain Ward
Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorEng-Siew Koh
University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorThomas P Shakespeare
University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorMei Ling Yap
University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Sean Hassan
Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Correspondence
Dr Sean Hassan, Department of Radiation Oncology, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAndrew Oar
Icon Cancer Centre, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorIain Ward
Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
Search for more papers by this authorEng-Siew Koh
University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorThomas P Shakespeare
University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorMei Ling Yap
University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
The rapid rise in cancer incidence within the world’s poorest nations highlights the need for equitable access to evidence-based cancer care. It has been previously demonstrated that radiotherapy is a cost-effective and necessary tool in cancer treatment. However, globally there is a growing divide between demand and supply of radiotherapy services. In low- and middle-income countries, this resource gap is particularly problematic. By region, the Asia-Pacific has been demonstrated to have the highest absolute deficit in radiotherapy services. Radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand are geographically well positioned to assist departments within the Asia-Pacific to help to reduce these inequities. The Asia-Pacific Radiation Oncology Special Interest Group (APROSIG) aims to support oncology professionals in the Asia-Pacific to develop safe and sustainable cancer services. Members have already contributed to multiple projects throughout the region, supported by grants and departmental funding. However, the backbone of support comes from volunteers sharing their time and expertise. The Australasian oncological community has the skills and knowledge to help not only those within our borders but also beyond. Such efforts provide the potential to develop valuable clinical, educational, research and leadership experiences whilst establishing networking opportunities throughout the most populated regions of the world. More options for growth and work in global health must be investigated, encouraging future trainees to consider a role within the global cancer community. Without prompt and continued action, the resource deficit is likely to grow and the inequity in accessing radiotherapy and other cancer services further magnified.
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