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.The thrust areas of research include precancer and cancer of the uterine cervix and breast in women. 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.

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.

Multidisciplinary high quality research in major cancers of the country with special reference to cancers of uterine cervix, breast and oral cavity.
•To promote clinico-epidemiological cancer research to determine social environmental and genetic factors underlying the high prevalence of these cancers in the country.
•Undertake research for the development of preventive and therapeutic approaches for prevention/diagnosis of cancer in community settings.
•Community intervention studies for major cancers through health system research with emphasis on primary and secondary prevention.
•Augment human resource development in various specialties of oncology through formal and informal training courses and related academic programs.
•To provide specialized diagnostic referral services.

https://bic.icmr.org.in/icpo/index.php/about-us/staffs/

https://bic.icmr.org.in/icpo/index.php/component/content/article?id=120

https://bic.icmr.org.in/icpo/index.php/publications