Radiotherapy treatment activity

Radiotherapy (also known as radiation therapy) uses radiation to treat cancer. There are two main ways in which radiotherapy is delivered – internal and external beam radiotherapy.

• Internal radiotherapy involves delivery of radiation in the form or sealed radioactive sources (brachytherapy) or liquid isotope. Delivery may be via a needle, catheter or another specialised device. Liquid isotopes may also be delivered by mouth.
• External beam radiotherapy uses a machine to deliver x-rays or gamma rays at the tumour. There are different modes of delivery for external beam radiotherapy, providing different degrees of specificity and penetration depending on the tumour location and size.

Radiotherapy is given with the intent of changing the outcome of the cancer and / or providing symptom relief / palliative care. It may be used before surgery to shrink the cancer (neo-adjuvant therapy) and / or after surgery (adjuvant therapy). For some cancers, radiotherapy is given as the main treatment for cancer. Radiotherapy may also be provided alongside systemic anti-cancer treatment.

The Tripartite National Strategic Plan for Radiation Oncology 2012–2022 highlights the need for better data collection on access by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to oncological services.¹

Data availability

There are currently no national data available for this indicator.

The NCCI includes a measure on systemic anti-cancer treatment. This measure is drawn from Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data. Data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not routinely reported for systemic anti-cancer therapies.  

Further information

Cancer Australia. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Framework. Priority 5b: Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive best practice care.
Cancer Australia. Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer. Step 4: Treatment; Step 6: Managing recurrent, residual or metastatic disease.
Cancer Australia. Radiation therapy.
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Australian Institute of Radiographers, Australian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine. Planning for the Best. Tripartite Strategic Plan for Radiation Oncology 2012–2022

References

1. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Australian Institute of Radiographers, Australian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine. Planning for the Best. Tripartite Strategic Plan for Radiation Oncology 2012–2022.