The significance of life-saving medical imaging in expanding global access to cancer care was underscored at a recent Women in Nuclear IAEA event held at the Agency’s headquarters in Vienna.
During the event, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Uruguay’s Minister for Public Health Karina Rando, and United States Ambassador to the Vienna Office of the United Nations and to the International Atomic Energy Agency Laura Holgate, along with international and IAEA experts, highlighted the importance of nuclear technologies as one of the most potent tools in the battle against cancer.
Mr. Grossi emphasized how the IAEA’s flagship initiative, Rays of Hope, is contributing to narrowing the gap in cancer care access in low- and middle-income countries, stating that the IAEA is exerting “intense effort” to enhance access to medical imaging worldwide.
He expressed, “It is morally, ethically, and in every other way unacceptable that cancers which are perfectly curable here in Vienna are a death sentence in so many countries around the world.”
Uruguay’s Minister of Public Health, Karina Rando, highlighted Uruguay’s legacy in the field of cancer care, specifically mentioning Raul Leborgne, a Uruguayan radiographer who invented the first mammography device in the 1950s.
“Uruguay has consistently demonstrated its commitment to addressing women’s health issues,” she remarked. “The country has ongoing national programs and initiatives that specifically target diseases such as breast and cervical cancer, with a strong emphasis on early detection, awareness, and treatment.”
In Uruguay, approximately 2000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, resulting in 700 deaths due to the disease. Regarding cervical cancer, there are around 300 new diagnoses annually, leading to 130 deaths. More than half of those diagnosed with cervical cancer are under the age of 50.
Laura Holgate, the US Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United States to the IAEA, highlighted the Rays of Hope initiative as a prime example of the advantages of expanding access to peaceful nuclear technologies worldwide.
“Cancer currently claims one in every six lives globally,” she stated. “According to estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the number of global cancer cases is projected to rise significantly over the next two decades, increasing the burden on countries with limited or no access to such care. Regrettably, the heaviest burden will be borne by low and middle-income countries, where over 70 percent of cancer-related deaths are expected to occur, despite these regions receiving only five percent of global spending in this area.
“Every single cancer patient deserves access to life-saving treatments.”
The discussion also underscored the importance of enhancing capacity in terms of a skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for nuclear technologies, with a strong emphasis on the significance of greater inclusivity and diversity.
May Abdel-Wahab, Director of the Division of Human Health at the IAEA, highlighted the ongoing challenge of providing improved access to cancer care: “We must remember that simply having the necessary equipment will not ensure equal access for all. It is crucial to urgently increase the number of well-trained professionals globally, which will be essential for achieving success and sustainability.”
Many participants at the event also emphasized the importance of promoting greater gender parity in nuclear professions, as well as in medicine and research, in order to address gender bias in medical treatment that could negatively impact women’s health outcomes.
Abdel-Wahab added, “Even in high-income countries, the current workforce shows gender imbalance.”
The IAEA has several initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality in the nuclear sector, such as its flagship Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme. This program offers scholarships to female students for Master’s programs and provides them with the opportunity to pursue an internship facilitated by the IAEA.
The event was organized by the IAEA’s Women in Nuclear network, a dedicated organization focused on promoting the progress of qualified women in nuclear and radiation professions.
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Post time: Apr-07-2024
