06/13/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/13/2025 02:02
UNIS/OUS/447
13 June 2025
VIENNA, 13 June (UN Information Service) - The UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) recommends that cancer patients should not be deterred from undergoing radiotherapy solely on the basis of concerns about developing a second primary cancer. The Committee has just published its scientific annex A to the 2024 Report to the General Assembly titled "Second Primary Cancer After Radiotherapy".
The annex presents a comprehensive global evaluation of how radiation treatment for cancer may contribute to the development of new, unrelated cancers years after initial therapy. Drawing on extensive epidemiological data, biological research, and advanced dosimetry modelling, the annex provides new insights into the long-term health implications of radiotherapy.
The Committee estimated that between 5 and 15 per cent of cancer survivors may develop second primary cancers and concluded that only a small proportion of these second primary cancers are likely to be attributable to radiotherapy. The absolute numbers depend upon the specific tissues at risk and the radiation doses received during radiation treatment.
The Committee recommends that in view of the significant benefit of radiotherapy, cancer patients should not be dissuaded from undergoing radiotherapy solely on the basis of concerns regarding the possible development of a second primary cancer. The report emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment planning and long-term patient monitoring and recommends that future design and development of radiotherapy should aim to reduce the induction of second primary cancers.
"This evaluation underscores the need to balance the life-saving benefits of radiotherapy with a clear understanding of its long-term risks," said Dr. Sarah Baatout, Chair of UNSCEAR. "It provides the scientific foundation for improving cancer care and guiding international safety standards."
The full report is available on the UNSCEAR website: https://www.unscear.org
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The mandate of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), established in 1955, is to undertake broad reviews of the sources of ionizing radiation and the effects on human health and the environment. Its assessments provide a scientific foundation for United Nations agencies and governments to formulate standards and programmes for protection against ionizing radiation. It does not deal with or assess nuclear safety or emergency planning issues. The secretariat in Vienna, which is functionally linked to the UN Environment Programme, organizes the annual sessions and manages the preparation of documents for the Committee's scrutiny.
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For information contact:
UNSCEAR secretariat Telephone: (+43-1) 26060 4122 Email: unscear[at]un.org https://www.unscear.org