Roadmap 2030: A Pioneering Approach to Sustainable Cancer Imaging
In an era where radiology's environmental impact is under increasing scrutiny, the "Roadmap 2030" initiative is setting out pivotal guidelines for sustainable practices in cancer imaging and intervention. Developed by Dr. Benjamin Northrup and his team at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, the roadmap was recently highlighted in the journal Radiology: Imaging Cancer. The document proposes essential steps for reducing the environmental footprint associated with cancer imaging and treatment by the year 2030.
Expanding the Sustainability Conversation
Dr. Northrup emphasized that efforts to improve sustainability within radiology have traditionally focused on energy consumption. However, cancer imaging and treatment present a broader array of environmental concerns. "Most sustainability efforts in radiology focus primarily on energy usage. But when it comes to oncologic imaging and cancer treatment, the range of considerations expands significantly," Dr. Northrup noted.
The review also highlights the complex relationship between climate change and cancer, illustrating how environmental pollutants can elevate cancer risk. Conversely, increased cancer incidence drives greater reliance on imaging and treatments, further impacting the environment. Dr. Northrup points to studies linking climate change and its consequences, such as fossil fuel-driven air pollution, to increased risks for conditions like lung cancer.
The Environmental Impact of Oncology
Radiology's contribution to healthcare's overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is notable, with the sector responsible for nearly 1% of the global carbon footprint. The primary sources of these emissions include electricity consumption and the broader supply chain required to support advanced imaging and treatments. Nevertheless, metrics specific to oncologic imaging and intervention emissions remain limited, barring notable examples like hypofractionated radiation therapy's documented CO2 reductions.
Sustainability in this field, although still developing, is acknowledged as energy-intensive and waste-generating, particularly in interventional procedures, nuclear medicine, and newer areas such as theranostics. Dr. Northrup commented that while the field is young in terms of research, it holds significant potential for environmental improvement.
Implementing Change Through Roadmap 2030
The comprehensive strategy outlined in "Roadmap 2030" advocates for practical operational changes and shifts in equipment and supply chains. It calls for embedding sustainability into daily practices and educational programs. Suggested measures include acquiring more energy-efficient technology and fostering research aimed at enhancing the evidence base for sustainability initiatives.
Among the straightforward changes proposed are shutting down imaging equipment and computers when not in use and optimizing equipment settings to lower power consumption. Kate Hanneman, MD, co-author and medical imaging expert at the University of Toronto, underlines the impact of such operations: "We also recommend automating low-power modes between scans, going into low-power mode between examinations, and shutting down CT scanners and MRIs overnight when possible."
For more complex challenges like hazardous material management and minimizing single-use plastics, collaboration with manufacturers is key. Promisingly, manufacturers are beginning to prioritize more durable imaging systems and technologies that reduce waste, such as sealed MRI systems.
Dr. Northrup calls for continued investment in research and development, particularly in the creation of life cycle assessments and other metrics that can guide sustainability efforts. The ultimate goal, he asserts, is not only to mitigate environmental harm but also to enhance cancer care outcomes.