Hassan Sean, Oar Andrew, Ward Iain, Koh Eng-Siew, Shakespeare Thomas P, Yap Mei Ling
Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Icon Cancer Centre, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2021 Jul;65(4):410-417. doi: 10.1111/1754-9485.13191. Epub 2021 May 10.
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.
世界上最贫困国家癌症发病率的迅速上升凸显了公平获得循证癌症护理的必要性。此前已有研究表明，放射治疗是癌症治疗中一种具有成本效益且必要的工具。然而，全球范围内放射治疗服务的供需差距正在不断扩大。在低收入和中等收入国家，这种资源差距问题尤为突出。按地区来看，亚太地区在放射治疗服务方面的绝对短缺最为严重。澳大利亚和新西兰的放射肿瘤学家在地理位置上处于有利地位，能够协助亚太地区的各部门，以帮助减少这些不平等现象。亚太放射肿瘤学特别兴趣小组（APROSIG）旨在支持亚太地区的肿瘤学专业人员发展安全且可持续的癌症服务。在赠款和部门资金的支持下，成员们已经为该地区的多个项目做出了贡献。然而，支持的中坚力量来自于贡献时间和专业知识的志愿者。澳大利亚肿瘤学界拥有技能和知识，不仅可以帮助我们国内的人，也可以帮助其他国家的人。这些努力有潜力发展宝贵的临床、教育、研究和领导经验，同时在世界人口最多的地区建立网络机会。必须研究更多全球健康领域的发展和工作选择，鼓励未来的受训人员考虑在全球癌症社区中发挥作用。如果不迅速采取持续行动，资源短缺可能会加剧，获得放射治疗和其他癌症服务的不平等现象也会进一步扩大。
