30. What are the present international resources for the study of cancer? The World Health Organization acts as the focus of international efforts in health. It maintains liaison with the voluntary interna tional health organizations through the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences. Chief of the voluntary international organizations in cancer research is the International Union Against Cancer and its International Cancer Research Commission which has assisted in the coordination of international efforts in cancer research for many years. Other health agencies have also helped in this effort; in particular, the International Society of Geographic Pathology has sponsored valuable symposia on cancer. In addition, the various specialized agencies of the United Nations may be called upon for advice and assistance in their respective areas when problems such as occupational cancer or food additives are under consideration. 31. What areas of cancer research lend themselves particularly to an international approach? 1. Epidemiology.-There are marked differences between countries in the occurrence of various forms of cancer. There are also marked differences in the exposure to suspected cancer-causing agents. This presents unique opportunities in the search for cancer causes. 2. Industrial and occupational cancers.-Exchange of information on known cancer hazards and pooling of experience on suspected hazards can benefit all concerned. 3. Foods and drugs.-The cancer risks from food additives and certain drugs and cosmetics are very difficult to measure. Pooling experience from many countries can make this job easier. 4. Air pollution.-While air pollution is a problem in many countries the pollutants differ from place to place, and so do the risks from different types of cancer. This may prove helpful in determining which pollutants are carcinogenic. 5. Tumors of domestic animals.-This is both an economic problem for many countries and an opportunity for international research into the causes of cancer. 6. Cancer therapy.-Cooperative international arrangements can speed results in this area through testing different forms of treatment and comparing end results as well as through screening anticancer agents. Some significant steps in the direction of international cooperation are being developed under the program of the Cancer Chemotherapy National Service Center. о 14 SUBCOMMITTEE ON REORGANIZATION AND NOVEMBER 9, 1959 big waveNSITY DEC 31 1959 MAIN Printed for the use of the Committee on Government Operations For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office Washington 25, D.C. |