Leading oncologists are calling for improved access to radiation therapy, with data revealing one in five patients are missing out on the life-saving treatment option.
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About 50-60 per cent of cancer patients require radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan, but 20 per cent who should be receiving it in line with best practice care do not.
Targeting Cancer chair and oncologist Lucinda Morris said radiation therapy was plagued by "myths and misconceptions" that it was more dangerous or inferior to other options.
"There is a lack of knowledge and understanding, not only in the community, but also amongst healthcare professionals about the vital role of radiation therapy in curing cancer and improving quality of life for people with cancer," Dr Morris said.
Dr Morris said older Australians - 43 per cent of whom will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 - were a group that could benefit greatly from winder use of radiation therapy.
She said "vast advances" in technology meant treatment was quicker and more effective than ever before, with fewer side-effects. Radiation therapy could also avoid the "toxicity, morbidity and mortality" of common treatment options such as surgery and chemotherapy.
"For older adults with other health problems, who are not suitable for, or do not wish to have surgery or chemotherapy, this is revolutionary."
Dr Morris urged anyone who is living with or has a loved one living with cancer to ask their GP or specialist whether radiation therapy was a treatment option for them.
"Radiation therapy cures cancer, prolongs life and improves quality of life.
"Yet tragically, many people both in Australia and globally, miss out... due to poor understanding, lack of access and lack of funding."
Dr Morris shared her message about the importance of radiotherapy during the Patient Advocacy Roundtable at the Varian Oncology Summit earlier this year.
