COVID-19 and Radiation Oncology - Media Resources
This page includes information for media professionals about radiation oncology's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please direct media-related questions and interview requests to ASTRO’s media relations team. For the latest updates, follow ASTRO on social media.
ASTRO Surveys: COVID-19 and Radiation Oncology
A national survey of physician leaders in radiation oncology fielded by ASTRO in early 2021 found that new patients are presenting with more advanced-stage cancers than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians also reported that enhanced safety protocols remain widespread at radiation therapy clinics, and treatment postponements and deferrals have largely subsided.
Previous iterations of the survey were collected in April, May and June 2020. Findings indicate that radiation therapy practices, despite facing challenges, were able to sustain patient access to cancer treatment throughout multiple spikes of the pandemic.
- News Release and Survey Report (3/30/21): COVID-19 pandemic has led to more advanced-stage cancer diagnoses, physician survey finds
- News Release and Executive Summary (5/20/20): Fewer patient visits despite enhanced COVID-19 safety measures for radiation oncology clinics
Media Briefing: COVID-19 and Cancer Care
Leaders from ASTRO and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship discussed the survey and the pandemic's impact on patients and providers in a briefing on March 30, 2021. Featuring Thomas Eichler, MD, FASTRO, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors; Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD, FASTRO, ASTRO Board of Directors; and Shelley Fuld Nasso, NCCS CEO.
Media Briefing: Update from the ASTRO COVID-19 Impact Survey
At an #ASTRO20 briefing on October 22, 2020, Daniel Wakefield, MD, MPH, presented "Initial impact and operational response of radiation oncology practices to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Europe, and Latin America," and David Schwartz, MD, presented "ASTRO COVID-19 Practice Response Survey: Updated results from three waves of data collection."
Press Contacts and Additional Information
- Direct questions and interview requests to ASTRO’s media relations team.
- ASTRO's Advocacy hub includes updates on policy efforts and changes
