International Agency for Research on Cancer
Overview
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is an intergovernmental agency that forms part of the World Health Organization (WHO). It is dedicated to promoting international collaboration in cancer research. The IARC's mission is to enhance global understanding of cancer, with the ultimate goal of applying scientific findings to cancer prevention.
History
The IARC was established on May 20, 1965, by a resolution of the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the WHO. The founding of the IARC was driven by the increasing recognition of the global burden of cancer and the need for coordinated international efforts to address it.
Structure and Governance
The IARC is governed by a Governing Council, which is composed of representatives from the agency's participating states. The Governing Council is responsible for approving the IARC's budget and program of work. The agency's scientific activities are overseen by a Scientific Council, which is composed of scientists appointed by the participating states.
Research Activities
The IARC conducts research across a broad range of areas related to cancer. These include the study of the causes of cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, the development of strategies for cancer prevention and control, and the improvement of scientific methods and technologies.
The agency's research activities are organized into five main themes:
- Descriptive Epidemiology: This involves the collection and analysis of data on the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of cancer worldwide.
- Etiology: This involves research to identify the causes of cancer, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
- Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis: This involves research to understand the biological processes that lead to the development of cancer.
- Prevention and Implementation: This involves research to develop and evaluate interventions to prevent cancer, as well as efforts to translate research findings into public health practice.
- Cancer Registration: This involves the systematic collection of data on the occurrence and characteristics of cancer cases.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The IARC collaborates with a wide range of partners at the national, regional, and global levels. These include other research institutions, universities, non-governmental organizations, and industry partners. The agency also works closely with its parent organization, the WHO, to support the implementation of the WHO's global cancer control strategy.
Impact and Achievements
Since its establishment, the IARC has made significant contributions to the global understanding of cancer. These include the development of the IARC Monographs, a series of scientific reviews that evaluate the evidence on the carcinogenicity of various agents. The IARC has also played a key role in the development and implementation of cancer registries worldwide, which provide essential data for cancer research and control.