has intensified its efforts to respond more effectively to the cancer pandemic [1.14]. The World Health Assembly has passed five key resolutions in an effort to put knowledge into action concerning cancer control. The most significant of these was in 2005, when the resolution on cancer prevention and control strategy was adopted by the 58th World Health Assembly [1.15]. The resolution listed a number of objectives, in particular the development of the WHO cancer control strategy at the global, regional and national levels, which aims at improving knowledge to implement effective and efficient programmes for cancer control, leading to a reduction of the cancer burden and improving quality of life for cancer patients and their families [1.16]. 24 1.7. ROLE OF THE IAEA IN CANCER CONTROL The IAEA’s statutory objectives are to: “seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world” and “ensure, so far as it is able, that assistance provided by it or at its request or under its supervision or control is not used in such a way as to further any military purpose.” In fulfilling this objective, the IAEA has emerged as a unique multidisciplinary organization in the United Nations system to address global challenges related to nuclear technology, including global energy security, human health, food security and safety, and water resource management, and to nuclear safety and security and non-proliferation. Established in 1957, the IAEA works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies. The IAEA has more than 40 years of field experience in supporting its Member States in developing capacity in the use of radiation medicine and related regulatory and safety infrastructure. Health is an important part of the IAEA’s mandate and of its programmes, mainly because nuclear techniques play a major role in medicine. Often, radiation medicine techniques are the sole means of diagnosis and treatment, and they play a particularly prominent role in fighting cancer. More importantly, the IAEA also provides advice, support and assistance to ensure that radiation techniques and technologies in health care are used safely and securely. Focusing on capacity building through education and training, the IAEA’s assistance, through its technical cooperation and human health programmes, has enabled over 100 low and middle income Member States to establish or upgrade radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services to provide quality care to at least a portion of their cancer patients. However, existing IAEA resources are insufficient to address the enormous needs in developing countries to provide cancer care services for the growing number of patients, particularly with regard to the shortfall of diagnostic imaging capabilities, radiotherapy equipment and trained personnel. The IAEA has extensive experience in establishing a first cancer centre in various countries, including a radiotherapy unit (see Chapter 26). This is usually a complex project. The ultimate success of such projects depends not only on the availability of resources to purchase and install equipment and train staff. Local expertise, the personal involvement of local stakeholders and, in particular, the commitment of local governments are also essential factors. 25 With the rising number of cancer cases in LMICs, the existing radiation medicine infrastructure and available resources can cover only a small portion of their needs. Currently, up to 70% of cancer patients worldwide have no access to radiotherapy. Furthermore, due to a lack of early detection or screening services, and other socioeconomic factors such as fear, stigma, and job and family demands, up to 80% have advanced cancer by the time they present for treatment. Therefore, expanding radiotherapy capacity alone is simply not enough to fight cancer, and other interventions that focus on cancer information, public education, cancer prevention and early detection are needed to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality, improve survival rates and, ultimately, make a significant difference in the big picture of cancer control. 1.8. THE IAEA PROGRAMME OF ACTION