ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S2908

Interdiscplinary - Other

ESTRO 2024

We revealed an increasing negative sentiment toward radiotherapy, particularly in the 21st century. This increasing negativity was correlated with a decline in positive and neutral news coverage and a growing interest among journalists in negative events. We noticed a declining focus on new radiotherapy discoveries, advancements, and the adoption of innovative technologies. On the contrary, there was a noticeable increase in articles focusing on topics such as treatment errors, toxicity or ineffectiveness of radiotherapy, and publications advocating against the use of radiotherapy. Figure 1 illustrates the change in sentiment over the years.

Sentiment

Category

Example of headline

Count

Experts Say Hodgkin's Disease Can Be Controlled by Radiation Radiation Treatment for Deep Cancer Is Made Possible With New X-Ray Shield Why Do So Many Women Have Breasts Removed Needlessly? Stronger

Success Stories of RT Treatment

positive

70

Medical/Technological Breakthroughs in RT

positive

65

Superiority and Safety of RT Treatment

positive

11

Ex-Los Angeles Mayor Talks Of Cancer and 2002 Race

neutral

Celebrities' RT Treatment

86

Implementing

RT

in

First

Medical

Proton

neutral

48

Hospitals

Accelerator Being Built

Radiation Reality: Poisoned to Be Cured

negative

Risks and Toxicity of RT

49

Fatal Radiation Dose in Therapy Attributed to Computer Mistake Study Raises Concerns About a Faster Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Rectal Cancer Patients Could Be Spared the Effects of Radiation 7 Doctors Who Profit From Radiation Prescribe It More Often, Study Finds 3

Equipment

Malfunctions

negative

21

and Errors

Treatment Ineffectiveness and Relapses

negative

18

RT as Avoidable or Limited Treatment

negative

negative

Suboptimal RT Practices