The continuing importance of the IARC’s international remit in cancer research

Abstract On the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s 60th birthday, we reflect on the continuing importance of the agency’s international remit in cancer research, driven by its founding principle that the discovery of carcinogenic agents is relevant to all humans globally. The present narrative elaborates on this continued stimulus through the discussion of three themes: (1) trust and independence, especially amid vested interests and misinformation; (2) equity and efficiency as essential elements of progress in cancer research, achieved by prioritizing research in underserved and understudied areas and locations where exposure doses or contrasts are high; and (3) a commitment to context-relevant research through strong local collaborations and capacity building. We demonstrate that the international research conducted at the International Agency for Research on Cancer is a core means to advance carcinogenic discovery, building reciprocal partnerships where all countries benefit when discoveries are shared across borders. If we do not attempt to understand cancer everywhere, we will never fully understand it anywhere.