The
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is a specialized agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) established in 1965. Its primary mission is to conduct and coordinate research into the causes of human cancer and to develop scientific strategies for cancer prevention and control. IARC is headquartered in Lyon, France.
IARC's main functions include:
Conducting Research: IARC performs extensive laboratory and epidemiological research to understand the causes and mechanisms of cancer.
Cancer Surveillance: The agency collects global data on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival, maintaining databases like GLOBOCAN.
Evaluating Carcinogens: Through the IARC Monographs, the agency assesses environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and occupational exposures that can cause cancer.
Disseminating Information: IARC publishes its findings in scientific journals and reports, providing valuable information to researchers, policymakers, and the public.
Capacity Building: The agency trains scientists and health professionals from around the world, particularly from low- and middle-income countries.
IARC evaluates the carcinogenic potential of various substances and exposures through its Monographs program. Substances are classified into five groups:
Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans
Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans
Group 3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
Group 4: Probably not carcinogenic to humans
These classifications are based on the weight of evidence from human epidemiological studies, animal bioassays, and mechanistic data.
IARC has made numerous significant contributions to cancer research, including:
IARC collaborates with a wide range of organizations globally, including:
IARC aims to continue its efforts in understanding cancer etiology, improving cancer surveillance, and enhancing global cancer control strategies. Future goals include:
