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Geographic Access to Radiation Therapy Services in Canada
Yang Xu1, Oluwaseun Davies1, Shaun K Loewen1
1Division of Radiation Oncology, Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|August 25, 2025
Summary
Radiotherapy access in Canada is uneven, with 9.3% of the population facing long travel times. Identifying optimal locations for new facilities can significantly improve access for underserved groups.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Medical Geography
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Canada's vast geography and sparse population present significant challenges for radiotherapy service delivery.
- Existing radiotherapy access is characterized by geographic and demographic disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the geographic accessibility of radiotherapy services across Canada.
- To identify optimal locations for future radiotherapy facilities to improve access and equity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study using 2021 Canadian Census data for 57,937 dissemination areas.
- Analysis of radiotherapy facility locations and driving times (defined as <2-hour radius).
- Logistic regression to identify demographic factors associated with poor access.
Main Results:
- Median driving time to radiotherapy was 22.8 minutes; 9.3% of Canadians had poor access.
- Seniors, males, low-income, and Indigenous populations experienced higher rates of poor access.
- Eight key locations identified for new facilities could reduce the underserved population by 32.7%.
Conclusions:
- Significant geographic and demographic inequities in radiotherapy access exist in Canada.
- Additional radiotherapy facilities are necessary to address these inequities.
- Identified optimal locations can guide strategic planning for radiotherapy service expansion.
