PARIS, 02 NOVEMBER 2016 – Dealing effectively with the burden of cancer on healthcare systems demands an integrated approach to care, with medical technology occupying a pivotal role. In its session at the World Cancer Congress, DITTA, the Global Diagnostic Imaging, Healthcare IT and Radiation Therapy Trade Association explained how fragmentation within healthcare systems makes it difficult for them to effectively manage complex conditions such as cancer where the various dimensions of care - prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and palliation – are inseparable.

DITTA urges development of integrated care approaches that fully leverage advances in medical technology, in particular medical imaging and radiotherapy. Medical imaging can enhance the entire care pathway, delivering earlier and more accurate diagnoses, more precise monitoring of treatment and improved followup and monitoring post intervention. Meanwhile, advances in radiotherapy now deliver levels of precision that allow cancers to be treated that were previously considered only suitable for palliation.

Keynote speaker Professor Vincenzo Valentini, Chairman of the Oncology and Haematology Department, Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli, Università Cattolica S.Cuore in Rome, said, “A knowledge-based approach in oncology delivers the correct clinical decisions leading to optimal outcomes. Medical imaging provides clinicians and patients with this knowledge at every stage of the treatment journey; it is essential for truly integrated cancer care” Nicole Denjoy, DITTA Vice-Chair, said, “Currently, healthcare systems are not ideally configured to deal with the burden of cancer. Preventing and managing this disease demands an integrated care approach.

Medical technology can play a pivotal role; its capacity to deliver personalised, targeted therapies makes interventions more effective with fewer side effects.” Medical technology offers the potential to transform healthcare systems. It can help them adapt to the challenge of increasing numbers of cancer patients, improving outcomes, preventing premature deaths and driving efficiencies that will permit sustainable healthcare systems. 

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For more information, contact:

Barbara Pes

COCIR Communications Manager

Tel: +32 (0)32 2 706 89 64

pes@cocir.org

About DITTA: DITTA is the global voice for diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, healthcare IT, electromedical and radiopharmaceutical manufacturers to better communicate, coordinate and collaborate on matters of common interest between participating associations and member companies. DITTA includes more than 600 companies worldwide. DITTA membership is currently comprised of COCIR (Europe), JIRA (Japan), ITAC (Canada), MEDEC (Canada), MITA (United States), THAIMED (Thailand), IMEDA (Russia), CAMDI (China), ABIMED (Brazil) and KMDICA (Korea). DITTA enables participating associations and their member companies to work more effectively with international policymakers, organizations, professional associations and stakeholders. Since 2015, DITTA has the status of NGO in official relations with World Health Organisation. More information on DITTA, visit the website www.globalditta.org