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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
About Us
Institute of Cytology & Preventive Oncology (ICPO) which was initially established as Cytology Research Centre ( CRC ) by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 1979, came into the existence in 1989 when CRC was elevated to the level of Institute. ICPO was instituted with the main aim of promoting research in the field of cancers that are most prevalent in India with an emphasis on their early detection and prevention. The thrust areas of research include precancer and cancer of the uterine cervix and breast in women. Multidisciplinary studies involving epidemiological, behavioral, clinical, cytomorphological, cytogenetic, biochemical, virological, immunological and molecular biological aspects are being undertaken in order to understand the natural history, biological behaviour and mechanisms of carcinogenesis. ICPO has since made significant contributions in the field of cervical cancer research. The concept of clinical downstaging, visual inspection of cervix with selective cytology screening and development of novel diagnostic approaches for screening HPV and other cancer causing and cancer suppressor genes have been introduced for early detection of cervical cancer. Transcriptional control of viral gene expression and preparatory work on HPV vaccine, analysis of breast cancer susceptibility genes are some of the major research areas being undertaken. ICPO is also promoting human resource development through in-service training, workshops, Ph.D. and M.D. program and referral services in the field. The institute has evolved as a National Reference Centre for HPV and cervical cancer and provides specialized diagnostic referral services. Recently, the institute has moved from Maulana Azad Medical College Campus, where it existed for the last 25 years, to its new sprawling campus at sector – 39, Noida which is about 30KM from Indira Gandhi International Airport and 20KM from New Delhi Railway Station.

Mission

“To translate concepts developed in basic biological and clinico-epidemiological research to community for major cancers in the country with an emphasis on their early detection, primary and secondary prevention”

 

Institute of Cytology & Preventive Oncology is

  • Member, International Union Against Cancer (UICC), Geneva

  • WHO Collaborating Centre for Research & Training in Cytology

  • WHO Collaborating Centre for HPV Vaccine Programme

  • National Referral Centre for HPV & Cervical Cancer Screening

ICPO - The Eight Commandments

  1. Multidisciplinary high quality research in major cancers of the country with special reference to cancers of uterine cervix, breast and oral cavity

  2. To promote clinico-epidemiological cancer research to determine social, environmental and genetic factors underlying the high prevalence of these cancers in the country.

  3. Undertake research for the development of preventive and therapeutic approaches for cost-effective management of cancer and their implementation in the hospital / community settings

  4. Community intervention studies for major cancers through health system research with emphasis on primary and secondary prevention.

  5. To study behavioral and psychosocial parameters in cancer patients and to offer counseling

  6. Augment human resource development in various specialties of oncology through formal and informal training courses and related academic programs

  7. To provide specialized diagnostic referral services

  8. To organize early detection camps and campaigns to increase cancer awareness and to provide cancer detection facility to the community

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Updated on: 15 September 2006