World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer

International Agency for Research on Cancer
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Formation	1965
Type	Specialized agency
Headquarters	Lyon, France
Membership	N/A
Language	N/A
Leader title	N/A
Leader name	N/A
Website	www.iarc.who.int

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is a specialized agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) that is dedicated to conducting and coordinating research on the causes of human cancer. Established in 1965, IARC is headquartered in Lyon, France, and plays a pivotal role in cancer research worldwide.

History

The IARC was founded in response to the growing need for international collaboration in cancer research. The agency was established by a resolution of the World Health Assembly in 1965, with the aim of promoting international cooperation in cancer research. Since its inception, IARC has been at the forefront of identifying carcinogenic hazards and providing scientific evidence to inform public health policies.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of IARC is to coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to develop scientific strategies for cancer prevention and control. The agency's objectives include:

• Identifying the causes of cancer: IARC conducts epidemiological and laboratory research to identify environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors that contribute to cancer.
• Evaluating carcinogenic risks: Through its Monographs program, IARC evaluates the carcinogenicity of various substances, including chemicals, complex mixtures, occupational exposures, physical agents, biological agents, and lifestyle factors.
• Promoting international collaboration: IARC fosters collaboration among researchers and institutions worldwide to enhance the global understanding of cancer.
• Training and education: The agency provides training and educational opportunities for scientists and health professionals to build capacity in cancer research.

Research Programs

IARC's research activities are organized into several key programs:

• Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans: This program is renowned for its comprehensive evaluations of the carcinogenicity of various agents. The Monographs are used by governments and organizations worldwide to guide cancer prevention efforts.
• Cancer Surveillance: IARC collects and analyzes data on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival to monitor global cancer trends and inform public health strategies.
• Molecular Epidemiology: This program investigates the molecular and genetic factors that influence cancer risk and progression.
• Prevention and Implementation: IARC develops and evaluates strategies for cancer prevention and control, with a focus on translating research findings into public health action.

Impact and Contributions

IARC has made significant contributions to the understanding of cancer and its causes. The agency's work has led to the identification of numerous carcinogens and has informed public health policies and regulations worldwide. IARC's Monographs are considered authoritative sources of information on carcinogenic risks and are widely used by policymakers, researchers, and health professionals.

Also see

• World Health Organization
• Cancer research
• Carcinogen
• Epidemiology
• Public health