International agency for research on cancer

Abstract

The creation of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in the mid sixties, within the framework of WHO represented the culmination of extensive discussions between government officials and scientific experts on the need and role of an international body in cancer research. At first, it was temporarily housed in scattered accomodation within Lyon, France, it moved to its present building, a gift from the French authorities, in October 1972. The following topics are briefly dealt with: the environment and human cancer; cancer registration; monitoring; environmental carcinogens; chemical carcinogenesis; virology, and fellowships. At present, the Agency's basic budget is approximately $3 million/yr, supplemented by grants and contracts. Preliminary experience indicates that the organization is fulfilling a real need in cancer research and that studies of the type indicated are pertinent in the better understanding of the reaction between man and his environment.