The Report on Carcinogens (RoC) is a congressional mandated, science-based, toxicology and epidemiology report that is prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The report identifies and characterizes agents, substances, mixtures, or exposure circumstances that may pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans. The NTP was established in 1978 as a cooperative effort among the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to coordinate toxicology research and testing across the U.S. government.
Background and Purpose
The RoC is published every two years and provides a critical review of the scientific evidence for agents that are known or reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. The purpose of the report is to provide information about potential cancer-causing substances to the public, regulatory agencies, and the research community. The RoC also serves as a means of communicating the NTP’s findings on the potential health risks associated with exposure to certain substances. The report is based on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature, including in vitro and
Classification of Agents
The RoC classifies agents into two categories: “Known to be a Human Carcinogen” and “Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen”. The classification of an agent as a “Known to be a Human Carcinogen” is based on evidence from epidemiological studies that indicates a causal relationship between exposure to the agent and human cancer. Agents classified as “Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen” have been shown to cause cancer in animal studies or have been found to have genotoxic effects in in vitro or in vivo studies.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Known to be a Human Carcinogen | Based on evidence from epidemiological studies |
| Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen | Based on evidence from animal studies or genotoxic effects |
The RoC also provides a list of agents that are "Not Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen", which includes agents for which there is no evidence of carcinogenic activity in animal studies or epidemiological studies. The report also identifies agents that are "Not Classifiable as to Human Carcinogenicity", which includes agents for which there is inadequate evidence to classify them as human carcinogens.
Recent Updates and Additions
The 15th edition of the RoC, published in 2021, includes 256 substances that are known or reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. The report includes new listings for several agents, including ortho-toluidine and 1,2-difluoroethane, which were classified as “Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen” based on evidence from animal studies and in vitro studies. The report also includes updates on the carcinogenicity of several agents, including formaldehyde and styrene, which were previously classified as “Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen” and are now classified as “Known to be a Human Carcinogen” based on new evidence from epidemiological studies.
Public Health Implications
The RoC has significant public health implications, as it provides information about potential cancer-causing substances to the public, regulatory agencies, and the research community. The report serves as a basis for regulatory decisions and public health interventions, such as reducing exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace and environment. The report also highlights the need for further research on the carcinogenicity of certain agents and the importance of prevention and early detection of cancer.
| Agent | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde | Known to be a Human Carcinogen | Based on evidence from epidemiological studies |
| Styrene | Known to be a Human Carcinogen | Based on evidence from epidemiological studies |
What is the purpose of the Report on Carcinogens?
+The purpose of the Report on Carcinogens is to provide information about potential cancer-causing substances to the public, regulatory agencies, and the research community.
How are agents classified in the Report on Carcinogens?
+Agents are classified into two categories: "Known to be a Human Carcinogen" and "Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen", based on evidence from epidemiological studies, animal studies, and in vitro studies.
The Report on Carcinogens serves as a critical resource for the public, regulatory agencies, and the research community, providing information about potential cancer-causing substances and highlighting the need for further research and public health interventions. The report’s classification of agents as “Known to be a Human Carcinogen” or “Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen” provides a basis for regulatory decisions and public health interventions, such as reducing exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace and environment.
