IIT-M Launches Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas to Revolutionize Cancer Research in India

• IIT Madras released the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), a comprehensive genome database for paediatric leukaemia, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.
• The BCGA, accessible at bcga.iitm.ac.in, aims to address the lack of genomic data for cancers prevalent in the Indian population.
• The project received significant funding of Rs 56 crore from the Hyundai Motor India Foundation under its 'Hyundai Hope for Cancer' initiative.
• The database will help identify cancer-specific biomarkers in India, facilitating early diagnosis, tracking disease progression, and guiding therapeutic decisions.
• This initiative is crucial given that one in nine Indians may develop cancer, and the National Cancer Registry Programme reports a 12.8% annual increase in incidence since 2022.