Professor Janet Husband, President of the College, said, "The Royal College of Radiologists welcomes the publication of the report Radiotherapy: developing a world class service for England. This report will be extremely valuable in determining future development and in building on the substantial investment in modern equipment achieved as part of the Cancer Plan. The College looks forward to working further with the National Cancer Director on the development of the Cancer Reform Strategy, including a long-term plan for equipment, staffing and training. We see this as a great opportunity to improve care for cancer patients."

Dr Michael Williams, Vice-President of the College, said, "Radiotherapy is one of the most effective cancer treatments available, but the UK has fallen short in its provision. This is the main finding of a second report published in the current issue of the journal Clinical Oncology. The research confirms that substantially less radiotherapy is given in the UK than is standard practice elsewhere in Europe and the USA."

"Radiotherapy: developing a world class service for England lays out a framework for staff, training, and equipment to make the best use of resources. We look forward to implementing it, so that the UK will have a timely modern service able to deliver the best treatment to patients."

The Royal College of Radiologists has approximately 7,200 members and Fellows worldwide representing the disciplines of clinical oncology and clinical radiology. All members and Fellows of the College are registered medical or dental practitioners. The role of the College is to advance the science and practice of radiology and oncology, further public education and promote study and research through setting professional standards of practice.

The report, Radiotherapy: developing a world class service for England, the National Radiotherapy Advisory Group (NRAG) and published by the Department of Health, is available from the Department of Health press office

Clinical Oncology is an international peer-reviewed cancer journal published by Elsevier Ltd. It is read by all Clinical Oncologists in the UK.

rcr.ac