CIAC joins international coalition calling for reform of IARC’s Monographs Program

CIAC has joined an international coalition of diverse industry and business groups advocating for reform of the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s (IARC) Monographs Program.

The Campaign for Accuracy in Public Health Research (CAPHR) Coalition wants to see the Monographs Program modernized. The program, which evaluates cancer hazards, has been criticized by leading scientists and regulators for its lack of transparency, frequent conflicts of interest, questionable carcinogen classifications and misleading communications.

“Concerns about the conduct and credibility of the Monographs Program are detracting from IARC’s important mission to track and help fight cancer, particularly in the developing world,” said Bob Masterson, President and CEO of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC). “The members of CAPHR are committed to working with the World Health Organization and the leadership of IARC to implement fundamental reforms so that the Monographs Program produces information that is relevant to public health policymakers and the public.” 

The Coalition wants to see greater transparency and balanced assessments that produce credible conclusions.  As part of its commitment to the improvement of the Monographs Program, CAPHR released its principles for reform to strengthen the integrity of IARC processes by ensuring they reflect modern assumptions, methods and scientific practices.

Coalition members will work in their respective jurisdictions to encourage voices from governments, industry, donor communities, and the public sector to call on IARC to reform the Monographs Program.

It is CIAC’s belief that enhancing the coordination, clarity and communications around IARC contributes directly “to reaffirming public trust in Canada’s regulatory system.”

For more information, read the press release.