Estimating the Carbon Footprint of External Beam Radiotherapy: Should This Be a Concern for LMICs?

Yorke, AA; Ignatius, K; Schreiner, JL; Kron, T

Author(s): Yorke, AA; Ignatius, K; Schreiner, JL; Kron, T;
Details: Publication Year 2026-06,Volume 70,Issue #4,Page 395-400
Journal Title: Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aims to estimate the carbon footprint associated with external beam radiotherapy in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) context, specifically at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), and to evaluate whether sustainability should be a priority alongside treatment access in such radiation therapy settings. METHODOLOGY: A carbon footprint analysis was conducted for patients treated for locally advanced cervical cancer at UCI between 2023 and 2024. The assessment included emissions from three key components: (1) patient travel to and from the facility, (2) pre-treatment imaging using CT and 2D simulation and (3) energy consumption by three Varian TrueBeam linear accelerators during treatment and idle times. Emission estimates were calculated using activity data and standard global warming potential (GWP) conversion factors. RESULTS: Patient travel emerged as a major contributor to carbon emissions due to the centralisation of services in Kampala and the lack of regional treatment centres. Energy use from LINACs and imaging contributed less significantly, owing in part to Uganda's low-carbon electricity grid powered largely by hydropower. CT scans generated approximately 0.105 kg CO(2) per scan, and LINAC operations added modest emissions depending on usage patterns and machine idle time. CONCLUSION: While radiotherapy-related emissions in LMICs like Uganda are relatively modest compared to high-income countries, they are non-negligible and expected to rise with growing access to cancer care. Incorporating sustainability considerations into the future planning of radiotherapy infrastructure and service expansion is both feasible and necessary. Carbon-conscious planning should be integrated into decisions around siting and radiotherapy expansion to promote environmentally responsible cancer care in LMICs.
Publisher: Wiley
Keywords: Humans; Uganda; *Developing Countries; *Carbon Footprint/statistics & numerical data; Female; *Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy; Resource-Limited Settings; Travel; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; *Radiotherapy; low income countries; radiotherapy; sustainability
Department(s): Physical Sciences
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1111/1754-9485.70083
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1111/1754-9485.70083
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2026-04-07 03:20:39

Last Modified: 2026-08-06 02:27:27