Vienna: As we mark World Cancer Day, nuclear science and technology are offering hope to cancer patients in underserved regions through the IAEA Rays of Hope initiative. Cancer remains a major global public health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 70% of cancer-related deaths occur, and access to specialized care is limited. According to EMM, since its launch in 2022 by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Rays of Hope has procured over 90 items of diagnostic and treatment equipment for low- and middle-income countries, including ten linear accelerators and 55 mammography machines. More than 100 countries have joined the initiative, raising over EUR 90 million in extrabudgetary funds to support cancer care in these regions. Additionally, 18 Anchor Centres have been established, delivering training to over 700 oncology professionals worldwide in the safe and optimal use of radiation medicine. The latest estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cance r indicate that 10 million people died from cancer, with cases expected to nearly double by 2045 due to factors like aging populations and environmental and lifestyle risks. Radiotherapy is needed for over half of all cancer patients, yet access remains uneven. Rays of Hope, launched in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, initially focused on Africa, where many countries lack a single radiotherapy machine. Notably, Malawi opened its first public radiotherapy center in July 2025 at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, treating over 100 patients in its first six months. The initiative is also expanding or establishing radiotherapy centers in Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Senegal, Togo, and Zambia in Africa, and enhancing radiotherapy care in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, and Paraguay in Latin America. Nuclear medicine and imaging techniques are vital for early tumor detection, improving treatment outcomes and reducing mortality. With 2.3 million cases annually, breast cancer is the leading cause of c ancer deaths among women. Rays of Hope is deploying 55 mammography units across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, addressing a major gap in diagnostic imaging. Hospital Nacional Nuestra Señora de Fátima in Cojutepeque, El Salvador, was among the first to receive these machines, screening over 20 women per month for breast cancer since July 2025. In addition to equipment and training, Rays of Hope aids countries in establishing safety and security foundations for quality radiation medicine, emphasizing patient protection. The initiative supports national cancer control capacity assessments through imPACT Reviews and fosters partnerships with governments, academia, private sector companies, and financial institutions to help middle-income countries secure resources for essential services. The IAEA received a linear accelerator donated by Varian for installation at Black Lion Hospital in Ethiopia, while Djibouti and Uzbekistan secured loans from the Islamic Development Bank to expand radiation medicine services. Spread across four regions, Rays of Hope Anchor Centres support IAEA technical cooperation by training oncology and medical physics professionals and promoting research to optimize limited resources. New Coordinated Research Projects in cancer care will be carried out with Anchor Centres to strengthen clinical practice and support program delivery. Anchor Centres also contribute data to the Sustainable United Network for Radiation Medicine Innovation and Scientific Excellence, a global database focusing on sustainability and cost-efficiency. More than 500 professionals have participated in in-person workshops at these hubs, with an additional 200 joining online. Oncologists in Asia learned advanced treatment techniques, including ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy and theranostics. In Europe, Central Asia, and Latin America, radiation medicine professionals exchanged best practices in pediatric oncology to enhance cancer care for children. To ensure long-term sustainability, the IAEA continues to provide targeted training to Anchor Centres, equipping the network to extend expertise and support to neighboring countries.