Across the developing world, cancer is on the rise. Once thought of as a "rich world" disease, cancer is a looming public health catastrophe across low- and middle-income countries.

The IAEA is working to make radiotherapy accessible in such settings, and has challenged the makers of radiotherapy equipment to lower the prohibitive costs of the technology to increase access in developing countries.

Several of the world′s largest manufacturers of diagnostic and radiotherapy equipment have responded to this challenge, and are meeting with doctors from developing countries and IAEA officials this week to commence work on this initiative.

We invite you to learn more about this unique public-private partnership during a media briefing on Friday, 25 June from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Central European Time (Vienna).

Local journalists are invited to assemble in the VIC M-Building Press Room at 1:30 p.m.

Journalists outside of Vienna wishing to join may participate by telephone conference. Please register for the conference call by sending your name, outlet, email address and phone number to d.sacchetti@iaea.org. Upon registration, you will be sent dial-in details for the conference.

Background

• IAEA Challenges Radiotherapy Industry to Produce Cheaper Equipment.
• UN Nuclear Agency Calls for Lighter, Cheaper Cancer Therapy Equipment, UN News Centre, 28 April 2009.

Related Resources:

? In Focus: Cancer Care and Control ? Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT)