On this World Cancer Day, 4 February 2025, we celebrate the theme “United by Unique”. We consider each patient as unique not only with respect to their disease, but also to their personality, their expectations and preferences and their family environments. To be united goes beyond multidisciplinary collaboration, but actively involves and empowers the patients, their families and patient organisations, with the aim of building communities to take care of all aspects of cancer.

Advances in cancer care in general and radiotherapy in particular have improved survival rates and the quality of many cancer patients’ lives. However, with a growing cancer burden worldwide, there is an urgent need to increase public awareness of the critical role of radiation oncology. Despite radiotherapy being used to treat half of cancer patients, the discipline receives only 3% of global public cancer research funding. To close this gap, we must unite our voices to raise awareness and advocate for greater investment in innovation.

Innovation is essential to meet the challenges of modern cancer care. The use of tailored treatment approaches that address the individual needs of each patient has already made remarkable progress; however, future breakthroughs depend on collaboration. Partnerships—with patient organisations, industry leaders, and the clinical and scientific communities—are critical to increased use of this innovation. Together, we can strengthen the contribution of radiation oncology to multidisciplinary cancer care and make transformative advances that benefit every patient.

On this World Cancer Day, let us unite in our shared commitment to the improvement of cancer care for all, and celebrate the strength we derive from our diversity and the collective impact of our unique contributions.

Matthias Guckenberger
ESTRO president