Improved UN database spotlights huge global disparities in access to cancer care

A revamped global database launched today by the United Nations atomic agency highlights startling disparities across the world when it comes to access to treatment and care for cancer.

“Data shows that, despite efforts to improve the situation in recent decades, a lot is still needed to provide adequate access to cancer care,” Joanna Izewska, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Dosimetry Laboratory, in charge of the database, said in a news release today.

Conclusions inferred from the Directory of Radiotherapy Centres (DIRAC) show that most radiotherapy facilities are located in high-income countries and at least 36 countries do not have such radiotherapy facilities. The Directory draws data from 141 countries, including on radiotherapy machines, radiation sources, staff in radiotherapy centres as well as on the type and age of equipment.

According to the IAEA, The system has been redesigned to make it more user-friendly and to provide an integrated picture with better comparisons between countries and regions.

“Professionals worldwide rely on DIRAC and request information every day. It is a powerful tool for planning radiotherapy services and for advocating better access to cancer treatment in developing countries,” noted Ms. Izewska in the news release.

Experts say over the next two decades cancer rates will jump by 70% worldwide. Nuclear medicine could reduce deaths from cancer by thirty percent in the next few years.

The IAEA further noted that the Directory has shown that thousands of additional radiotherapy machines and substantial staff training are required to cover the current gap in access to treatment in low- and middle- income countries. It added that according to estimates from a 2015 Lancet Oncology Report, some 50 per cent to 60 per cent of all cancer patients will need radiotherapy at some point during their treatment.

In addition, more than 300 radiotherapy machines registered in the database are older than 30 years and will need to be replaced.

The IAEA has been collecting data on radiotherapy centres since 1959 and the data in DIRAC has been derived from the UN agency’s dosimetry audit services operated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other audit networks, collected from radiotherapy centres, national databases and manufacturers.

The revamped portal was launched today on the margins of the IAEA General Conference, being held in Vienna, Austria from 26 to 30 September.