global Health Gains Within Reach: Expanded Medical Imaging Could Prevent Millions of Deaths
A new analysis underscores the critical,life-saving potential of bolstering medical imaging capabilities worldwide,particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Improved access to tools like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI could prevent 5.4 million deaths and save 54.92 million life-years over the next decade,according to research published in The Lancet Oncology4. The findings highlight a significant disparity in healthcare access and offer a clear pathway to ample global health improvements.
Non-communicable diseases – including cardiovascular disease,respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,and cancer – are leading causes of death globally2.Cancer alone accounts for nearly one in six deaths worldwide, exceeding fatalities from HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined2. While thes diseases impact all nations, the burden of mortality disproportionately falls on LMICs2.Increasing access to medical imaging is recognized as essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment3, yet significant inequities persist.
The recent Lancet oncology Commission on Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine detailed the impact of imaging equipment, workforce, policies, and access on patient outcomes globally4. Modeling suggests a comprehensive scale-up of imaging, treatment, and care quality could prevent 9.55 million deaths and save 232.3 million life-years globally, with a return of US$12.43 for every dollar invested4. These findings reinforce the World health Organization’s recognition of medical imaging as a vital component of healthcare2,3 and demonstrate the potential for significant return on investment in global health initiatives.
4 Hricak, H. et al. Lancet Oncol. 22, e136-e172 (2021).
2 WHO. The Top 10 Causes of death https://go.nature.com/46EbPEP (7 August 2024).
3 WHO. Updated appendix 3 of the WHO Global NCD Action Plan 2013-2030 https://go.nature.com/4pR9wFL (accessed 17 August 2025).
