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Friday, October 8, 2010

ICRP SYMPOSIUM ON THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), that issues recommendations on protection against ionizing radiation, will hold its first ICRP Symposium on the International System of Radiological Protection during October 24-26, 2011, at Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center North Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

With participation from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, this symposium will be of interest to everyone in the field of radiological protection. Participants will learn not only about how the System operates, but also its ethical foundations, the logic behind it, and how it has been applied in practical situations.

The opening plenary session will provide useful information on the System of Radiological Protection, and insight into the ongoing work of ICRP in relation to other key organisations in radiological protection. Other sessions will cover topical issues such as: protection against radon in homes and workplaces; protection of medical patients; environmental protection; and radiological protection related to security screening. Presentations will be made by ICRP Main Commission and Committee members, senior members of other international organizations, and officials and industry representatives from around the world.

It is reported that this symposium is made possible in part through support from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the US Environmental Protection Agency. For details contact Christopher Clement, ICRP Scientific Secretary, at: sci.sec@icrp.org (IAEA News).

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Cancer in Developing Countries

The 2010 IAEA Scientific Forum was devoted to cancer in developing countries. The IAEA could secure the participation of so many top cancer specialists, scientists and experts from all over the world, as well as distinguished representatives from government, the private sector and leading foundations.

During his first year in office, the Director General of the IAEA visited cancer treatment centres in a number of Member States. He admired very highly about the world-class being offered in many developing countries. Some countries like Korea have also donated funds to the IAEA’s Cancer Programme. Since 1980, the IAEA has delivered over $220 million worth of cancer-related assistance to developing countries. The IAEA´s expertise lies in radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, radiology and medical radiation physics. It is reported that the IAEA provide equipment and training, deliver know-how and technical support and help developing countries establish cancer control policies and centres.

He said that the cancer represents an imminent crisis for developing countries. Most new cancer cases and cancer deaths already occur in the developing world. Around 70 percent of cancers in developing countries are diagnosed too late for life-saving treatment. By 2030, over 13 million people worldwide will die from cancer every year. Almost 9 million of these deaths will be in developing countries. In many low-income countries, there is not a single radiation therapy machine. More than 80% of Africa´s one billion inhabitants still have no access to basic radiotherapy and related cancer services. Millions of people who could be successfully treated die every year.

The message at the forum was very clear: There is a great need work together, to share experiences, expertise and knowledge with each other and to pool resources to ensure that cancer patients in developing countries gain access to the best modern treatment and care (IAEA News).