IAEA Review Urges Panama to Fast-Track Oncology Training and Care Coordination

“Cancer remains a major cause of death and suffering in our country, especially among vulnerable populations,” said Panama’s Minister of Health, Fernando Boyd Galindo.

An international expert mission led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has identified clear opportunities for Panama to accelerate cancer care reforms—calling for stronger specialized oncology training and tighter coordination across the national health system to meet rising cancer demand.

The findings follow a weeklong imPACT Review mission coordinated by Panama’s Ministry of Health, with experts nominated by the IAEA, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The team assessed cancer services across eleven health facilities in five provinces and convened a national planning meeting with more than 80 public and private health stakeholders.

Rays of Hope puts Panama on a fast track

The review was carried out under the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, a global programme aimed at closing gaps in access to radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine—particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Through the initiative, Panama is receiving technical expertise, training and infrastructure support to strengthen its national cancer response.

For policymakers, clinicians and health planners, the imPACT Review offers a ready-made roadmap to translate strategy into action—making Panama an early adopter of integrated, data-driven cancer system reform in the region.

Cancer burden rising, urgency growing

Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Panama. According to IARC data, the country recorded more than 8,300 new cancer cases and nearly 3,800 deaths in 2022 alone. Prostate cancer dominates among men, while breast and cervical cancers are most common among women.

With an ageing population and persistent risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use, cases are projected to rise sharply by 2030—intensifying pressure on health services.

“Cancer remains a major cause of death and suffering in our country, especially among vulnerable populations,” said Panama’s Minister of Health, Fernando Boyd Galindo. “Strengthening cancer control is a national priority.”

Strong foundations, clear gaps

The mission acknowledged Panama’s solid foundations, including modern diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, a committed health workforce, and a strong legal framework anchored in the National Cancer Plan 2019–2029.

However, experts identified key growth areas:

• Stronger coordination between primary care, diagnostics and specialized oncology services

• Expanded training in radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and diagnostic imaging

• More robust cancer data and surveillance systems to guide policy and investment

“The imPACT Review is not just an assessment—it is a co-development exercise,” said Enrique Estrada Lobato, Nuclear Medicine Physician at the IAEA. “Our goal is to turn Panama’s National Cancer Plan into concrete, technical actions that improve patient care now.”

Infrastructure and workforce expansion underway

A flagship priority is the construction of a radiotherapy bunker in Bugaba, Chiriquí province, which will house a linear accelerator (LINAC) provided by the IAEA through Rays of Hope. The facility will significantly expand access to high-quality cancer treatment in western Panama.

The final imPACT Review report, to be delivered to the government, will serve as a strategic guide for scaling services, strengthening governance and expanding regional oncology care—while opening the door for continued international cooperation.

Call to action: a model for regional adoption

As Latin America confronts a growing cancer burden, Panama’s experience highlights how early investment in workforce development, coordination and modern radiation medicine can reshape outcomes. Health systems, donors and partners are encouraged to engage with the Rays of Hope initiative and adapt Panama’s emerging model to accelerate equitable cancer care across the region.