WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTE
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC BUREAU REGIONAL DU PACIFIQUE OCCIDENTAL
REGIONAL COMMITI'EE Forty-sixth session Manila 11-15 September 1995
WPRlRC46ING0/1 0 15 September 1995 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
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STATEMENT BY DR A.V. LAUDICO, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CANCER REGISTRIES
The International Association of Cancer Registries (lACR) was founded in 1966. Its aim is to improve quality of data on the occurrence of cancer and comparability between registries, by standardizing methods of registration, definitions and coding. epidemiological research into the causes of cancer. The Association has been a nongovernmental organization in official relations with the World Health Organization since January 1979. Over 250 member registries make expertise in this area of public health available to WHO in all regions. The Association disseminates information which permits the planning and evaluation of cancer prevention and therapy, and
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With progressive aging of populations in both the developed and the developing world, cancer is becoming an increasingly important public health problem. The International Association of Cancer Registries wishes to draw the attention of WHO members to the fact that strengthening of research into the causes and prevention of cancer is a priority in all regions. WHO is urged to promote the establishment of cancer registries in those areas where reliable cancer statistics are not yet available. A major activity of cancer registries is to carry out research into the causes of cancer, with the aim of preventing the disease. In order to do this work at all, and to do it accurately and efficiently, data must be compiled on individuals, with the possibility of linking this information with that on exposure to registration, regionally and worldwide, by influencing governments to maintain the research potential of cancer registries, in particular by advising against legislation designed to prevent the storage and use of health related information on named individuals. Cancer registries are expected to operate within clearly defined codes of confidentiality - the
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Association even providing a model code of their use - which preclude any breach of civil liberties or untoward use of confidential information. The members of the Association are willing to share with WHO or its individual members their expertise and experience in registration of individuals with cancer, and in the use of registry data in the service of the public and for research purposes. According to the constitution of the IACR, it is the purpose of the Association to facilitate exchange of information and the organization of projects on a regional basis, and to cooperate with and seek the support of other organizations in fostering activities of mutual interest. We wish to develop and strengthen the collaboration with and develop common progress in the fight against cancer, against tobacco and other known causes of cancer, to reach the goal of "Health for All".
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