Summary: 

Radiotherapy is an essential component of the multimodality treatment of breast cancer. Estimates suggest that 60% of all breast cancer patients in the United States would benefit from at least one course of radiotherapy for either curative, definitive treatment or palliation. In LMICs, where most women present with locally advanced breast cancer, the percentage of women who would benefit from radiotherapy is even greater, yet the gap between the demand and available supply continues to grow, with an estimated deficit of 7,000 radiotherapy machines globally. According to The Global Taskforce on Radiotherapy for Cancer Control, 29 of Africa’s 52 countries have no radiotherapy facilities, and those 29 countries account for nearly 200 million people. This deficit results in additional barriers, long wait times, treatment delays and poor outcomes.