Table of Contents
ToggleThe UK’s Growing Cancer Burden: Why Radiotherapy Machine Access Must Expand
Cancer cases rising year on year, the United Kingdom is facing one of its most significant public health challenges. Today, cancer accounts for more than 400,000 new diagnoses annually, and that number is steadily climbing. This rapid increase is placing unprecedented pressure on healthcare services, particularly in cancer treatment areas like the radiotherapy machine sector.
In this context, Global Cancare Pvt Ltd, distributor of Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd, is emerging as a critical partner in bridging the care gap. By delivering advanced yet affordable linear accelerator linac systems, alongside comprehensive turnkey solutions for cancer care, Global Cancare brings innovative options to healthcare providers struggling to meet demand. Their expertise in establishing standalone radiation centres and upgrading existing facilities positions them as a strong alternative to established players like Elekta and Varian.
The need to expand access to modern technologies such as the linear accelerator linac is greater than ever before. For thousands of patients, timely access to radiotherapy isn’t just a treatment—it’s a lifeline.
Cancer Cases Rising: UK Statistics and Projections
The rise in cancer cases has been steady, and future projections show an even greater burden on the NHS.
Year / Projection | Cancer Cases / Patients | Key Insights |
2020 | 3 million living with cancer | Linked to aging population and lifestyle changes |
2025 | 3.5 million living with cancer | Increase of +500,000 patients in 5 years |
Daily (2025) | 1,100 new diagnoses per day | Over 400,000 new cases annually |
2025–2040 (England) | 6.3 million new diagnoses | +14.2% vs. 2010–2025 |
Global (2050, WHO) | 77% increase in cancer cases | Rising burden across the world |
This trend of cancer cases rising highlights the urgent need for scalable solutions, particularly in radiotherapy capacity.
India–UK Free Trade Agreement: Unlocking Affordable Radiotherapy Machines
The upcoming UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) offers a timely opportunity to improve cancer care access. Under the agreement, medical technologies like the radiotherapy machine and linear accelerator linac imported from India will benefit from zero import duties, making them significantly more affordable for NHS trusts and private providers.
For Global Cancare Pvt Ltd, this policy shift enables smoother entry into the UK market, ensuring that Panacea’s advanced yet cost-effective technologies can compete directly with established brands. By reducing financial barriers, the FTA paves the way for faster deployment of modern radiotherapy solutions—helping address the urgent challenge of cancer cases rising across the UK.
NHS Radiotherapy Machine and Linear Accelerator Linac Capacity
The National Health Service (NHS) has built a strong foundation of radiotherapy centres, but the system is under strain. As of 2025, there are around 220 linear accelerator linacs in operation across the UK. These advanced radiotherapy machines are the backbone of treatment, delivering targeted radiation to shrink tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
NHS Radiotherapy Resource | Current Capacity (2025) | Notes / Challenges |
Total Linacs in the UK | ~220 | Many >10 years old, frequent breakdowns |
Government Investment | £70 million (2025) | 28 hospitals to receive new Linacs |
Added Capacity | +13,000 treatments annually | Still not enough for demand |
Large Hubs | 8 Linacs / 4,000 courses | At full capacity, struggling to keep up |
Global Benchmark | 30% shortfall in RT capacity | UK trails behind other developed nations |
Even with government investment, demand far outpaces supply. Many NHS radiotherapy centres rely on outdated machines, leading to inefficiencies, breakdowns, and delays.
The Gap Between Cancer Cases Rising and Radiotherapy Machine Availability
Each year, around 130,000 patients require radiotherapy, yet NHS capacity cannot fully meet the need.
- In June 2025, only 76.8% of urgent referrals were diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days.
- The 62-day treatment standard was achieved for just 71% of patients.
- Between 2022 and 2024, more than 500,000 patients waited longer than two months for treatment.
- In 2024, 11% of patients waited over 104 days for cancer therapy.
These delays are more than administrative issues—they impact survival. Research shows that every month of delay raises mortality risk by up to 10%. The shortage of radiotherapy machines and linear accelerator linacs is a direct threat to outcomes.
Global Cancare Pvt Ltd: A New Partner in Radiotherapy Machine Solutions
To meet this growing need, Global Cancare Pvt Ltd is stepping forward as a trusted partner. The company is the exclusive distributor of Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd, an Indian leader in cancer care equipment.
Panacea manufactures a wide range of advanced cancer treatment technologies, including:
- Linear accelerator linacs (CE- and FDA-certified)
- Radiotherapy machines for dose delivery
- Dose measurement and immobilisation devices
- Simulators and mammography systems
Soon to launch: Brachytherapy Systems, CT scanners, C-arms, Digital X-rays, and Cath Labs
Standalone Radiation Centres with Linear Accelerator Linac Technology
Global CanCare’s Standalone Radiation Centres
One of Global CanCare’s most innovative contributions is its model for standalone radiation centres. These facilities are dedicated exclusively to radiotherapy and can be established quickly and cost-effectively.
Key Features of the Model:
Plug-and-play setup with Panacea’s radiotherapy machines and linear accelerator (linac) technology
Profit-sharing partnerships for greenfield projects
Hospital tie-ups to expand existing oncology departments
Conversion of cobalt bunkers into modern radiotherapy centres
Turnkey support, covering everything from bunker construction to machine maintenance
By enabling faster deployment of advanced linear accelerator (linac) technology, these centres can reduce waiting times and improve access for underserved communities across the UK.
Conclusion: Expanding Radiotherapy Machine Access in the UK
With cancer cases rising rapidly in the UK, the demand for radiotherapy is only set to grow. While the NHS has invested in infrastructure, the current 220 linear accelerator linacs cannot meet patient demand alone.
Partnerships with global innovators such as Global Cancare Pvt Ltd and Panacea Medical Technologies offer a practical way forward. Their affordable radiotherapy machines, standalone centre model, and turnkey business solutions can help bridge the gap between patient need and treatment capacity.
Contact Us:
- Email: info@globalcancare.com
- Website: globalcancare.com
- Call: +91 8120115666

