The World Cancer Report 2014, released on 3 February 2014 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, reveals that cancer accounted for an estimated 8.2 million deaths in 2012, with around 65% occurring in less developed regions.1 This figure is expected to continue rising, with an estimated 13 million deaths per year within the next two decades.2
With these figures in mind, it is no surprise that human health is a high priority for all IAEA Member States, with over 25% of the technical cooperation (TC) programme focusing on this field. Cancer-related projects account for a significant part of the percentage.
The IAEA's TC programme has addressed cancer care for over 50 years and can provide assistance to Member States in many different areas, particularly in the area of radiotherapy, radiation oncology, quality assurance and radiation protection of workers, patients and the public. The TC programme delivers support through training, expert assistance, fellowships and the procurement of equipment and materials. Additionally, the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) seeks to realize the public health impact obtained through global partnerships in cancer control and technology transfer in radiation medicine. PACT's vision strives for global partnerships to confront the cancer crisis in developing countries, notably with the World Health Organization (WHO).