Guidance

A case for change: the challenge to develop a better approach to assessing risk of cancer caused by chemicals

A guidance statement calling for improved, modern methods to assess cancer risk from chemicals, moving beyond binary classifications and animal testing.

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Details

The guidance statement outlines the Committee on Carcinogenicity’s call to reform how cancer risk from chemicals is assessed, advocating for a more modern, human-relevant, and risk-based approach. It highlights key areas for change, including:

  • moving away from outdated binary classifications and animal testing
  • embracing new approach methodologies (NAMs) and mechanistic data
  • encouraging submissions of case studies using innovative methods
  • sharing insights from workshops in agrochemical and cosmetics sectors
  • addressing challenges in regulation and public communication
  • aiming to enhance public health protection and reduce testing burdens

Updates to this page

Published 11 July 2025
Last updated 11 July 2025 show all updates
  1. Expanded page title.

  2. First published.

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