Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 19 (IANS): Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Friday called for the launching of a countrywide war against cancer.

The minister earlier in the day formally recommended the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) here as one of the 20 RCCs in the country chosen to be elevated as the apex state cancer institute.

"Cancer treatment has now become very expensive in the country. We have to launch a war against cancer and prevention and early detection has to be done," Harsh Vardhan told reporters later.

He said the government will invest heavily in its fight against cancer.

"The Indian Council of Medical Research is now entering into new alliances with many organisations for cancer research," said Harsh Vardhan.

Responding to queries on unethical drug trials in the country, the minister said media has to bring such happenings to the attention of the authorities.

"Drug trials will be followed up actively and aggressively as there are regulations in place for this and to put the drug research in right perspective, all efforts would be done to regulate it as per law. The media should highlight violations, if any," said Harsh Vardhan.

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