Welcome

Has it already been a year since our last edition? 

Once again, I am delighted to be launching our 2026 digital edition of Imaging & Oncology.

A huge thank you to all the authors who, despite being busy, have contributed to this edition, and I am so grateful you have shared your amazing work. I know all our readers will find each of the topics interesting and insightful.

I would also like to personally acknowledge and thank both Charlotte Beardmore, executive direction of professional policy at the Society of Radiographers, and Alex Rapson-Ballinger from our publisher Wonderly for their continued support and guidance.

Following on from the successful launch of I&O in 2025, I have maintained the focus on the contemporary topics in clinical imaging and oncology. I have also ensured that the topics continue to align to the “four pillars” of practice as acknowledged in the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework, providing something for everyone. Again, we have been able to invite and have contributions from colleagues within our global radiography community.

The compilation of articles in this edition exemplifies the innovation and future direction of our profession.

Claudio Votto highlights how the traditional paradigm of image-guided radiation therapy, imaging systems and available technologies have evolved substantially over time and today we are now seeing the emergence of Adaptive Radiotherapy. This links in with the article from Anastasia Sarchosoglou highlighting how patient safety and considerations, particularly as technologies and techniques become more complex, can potentially increase clinical errors, and demonstrate a need for a proactive risk management process. Whilst Dr Anetta Bolejko introduces us to the concept of person-centred care in radiography and the importance of treating a patient as a person, not merely as a carrier of a disease or someone in need of care.

We have seen a lot of change in the radiography workforce, particularly on the topic of radiographer role development. Amanda Riley provides us with a reflective piece on her transition from Therapeutic Radiographer to working now as an advanced practitioner in frailty. This ties in with a case study written by Dr Simon Goldsworthy and the team of consultant radiographers at Beacon Oncology Centre, on embedding consultant practice across the oncology pathway. Furthermore, Nick Barlow has offered us an insight into his role in radiographer reporting and now in teleradiology.

Research in the profession has been captured in this edition. Professor Helen McNair and colleagues provide us with a comprehensive update on developing and building research capacity and how they have established a National Institute for Health and Care Research Incubator. This aligns well with a piece by Dr Christina Malamateniou on leading and developing the City St George’s Research in Radiography, Radiotherapy and Radiology Group creating a structure to enable foundational research. An honest and personal reflection of studying for a PhD has been provided by Dr Liam Mannion. 

Leadership insights have been discussed by Craig Blackwood, who details his journey from Therapeutic Radiographer to now a Director of care services at Ayrshire Cancer Support. Whilst Kerry Mills discusses leadership in healthcare and offers us a perspective on leadership identity, which is a central thread of her doctoral research.

Nichola Brown and colleagues update us on the New Professionals Network, a space for members to access peer support and psychological safety in a community of members navigating shared challenges of the early career pathway.

Finally, in Imaging & Oncology, we focus on the topic of service users,

Dr Emma Hyde and colleagues have provided us with an update on the refreshed ‘Partnership between Patients, Practitioners and the Public within Imaging and Radiotherapy services’ guidance.

Finally, it was also a privilege to interview service user Karen Liesching-Schroder, who gave an honest commentary on her diagnosis and treatment for mouth cancer, her amazing work in raising awareness through her charity work and also writing a book on her personal experience.

Colleagues, I hope that you will all find something to reflect on and to take away for your own practice. Happy reading.

Warmest  wishes,

Professor Ricardo Khine
Editor, Imaging & Oncology

Professor Ricardo Khine
Editor, Imaging & Oncology