A global assessment of imaging and nuclear medicine resources has identified substantial shortages in equipment and workforce, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, a report co-authored by the International Atomic Energy Agency concludes.

The Lancet Oncology Commission on Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine report says that improving access to nuclear medicine and medical imaging services would avert nearly 2.5 million cancer deaths worldwide by 2030 and result in global lifetime productivity gains of $1.41 trillion – a net return of over $200 per dollar invested.