For Prelims: Indian Council of Medical Research, Cancer diagnosis, Hormone-related cancer testing
For Mains: Science and Technology: Health and disease diagnosis; Society: Access to healthcare
Source:
Dainik Bhaskar
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- ICMR approved a cancer testing laboratory at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre.
- The approved laboratory will provide specialised breast and lung cancer tests free.
- Four breast cancer tests will assess hormonal effects and disease progression.
- Lung cancer tests will identify cellular changes.
- BMHRC is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The news
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved a modern cancer testing laboratory at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The laboratory will provide free specialised tests for breast and lung cancer, reducing patients' dependence on major hospitals and private centres for such diagnostics, according to BMHRC director Dr Manisha Shrivastava.
Four breast cancer tests will help assess hormonal effects and the pace of disease progression, while lung cancer testing will identify changes in cells. The free testing is intended to help identify the type of cancer and guide treatment.
Why in the news?
The ICMR has approved a free cancer testing laboratory at BMHRC, Bhopal, making specialised breast and lung cancer diagnostics available without charge and reducing reliance on private centres.
What is the Indian Council of Medical Research?
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. It was established in 1911 as the Indian Research Fund Association and was renamed ICMR in 1949. The council is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its governing body is presided over by the Union Health Minister.
What does specialised cancer testing involve?
Specialised cancer diagnosis examines characteristics of a tumour beyond identifying its location. Such information can help clinicians distinguish disease types and select treatment. The approved laboratory at BMHRC will provide these advanced tests for breast and lung cancers.
How will the free testing benefit patients?
Free testing could reduce diagnostic costs and dependence on private centres or major hospitals. The clinical benefit depends on test results being available in time to inform treatment decisions. Adequate laboratory capacity, trained personnel, reliable test quality and timely reporting would support effective use.
Madhya Pradesh connection
Facts and terms for exams
- Indian Council of Medical Research:
- India's national body for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.
- Cancer diagnosis:
- The process of identifying cancer and determining its characteristics using clinical assessments and tests.
- Hormone-related cancer testing:
- Testing that examines whether hormones are relevant to the characteristics of a cancer.
Why it matters for exams
Exams: MPPSC, MPESB
Syllabus: Science and Technology: Health and disease diagnosis; Society: Access to healthcare
Common mistake: Examiners may swap approval with completed implementation: ICMR has approved the laboratory; the free testing facility is planned.
Stuck? Get it in one tap
ICMR has approved a laboratory for specialised cancer tests at BMHRC in Bhopal. The planned tests will be free and can help doctors understand the cancer's characteristics. These results can help doctors decide on treatment.
- ICMR approved a cancer testing laboratory at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre.
- The approved laboratory will provide specialised breast and lung cancer tests free.
- Four breast cancer tests will assess hormonal effects and disease progression.
- Lung cancer tests will identify cellular changes.
- BMHRC is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- Science and Technology: Health and disease diagnosis
- Society: Access to healthcare
Related concepts: Indian Council of Medical Research, Cancer diagnosis, Hormone-related cancer testing
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which body approved the specialised cancer testing laboratory at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre?
Explanation: The Indian Council of Medical Research approved the laboratory. Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre is the host institution, while the other options describe testing facilities rather than the approving body.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements about the approved BMHRC cancer testing laboratory:
- 1.Specialised breast and lung cancer tests will be free.
- 2.The laboratory was approved by Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre rather than the Indian Council of Medical Research.
- 3.Lung cancer testing will help identify changes in cells.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct: testing is planned to be free, and lung cancer tests will identify cellular changes. Statement 2 reverses the roles: the Indian Council of Medical Research approved the laboratory at BMHRC.
- Q3Medium
How many breast cancer tests are planned at the approved BMHRC laboratory in Bhopal?
Explanation: Four breast cancer tests are planned to assess hormonal effects and the pace of disease progression. The other numbers do not match the planned count.
- Q4Medium
What is the principal purpose of specialised cancer testing at the approved BMHRC laboratory?
Explanation: The tests will help identify cancer characteristics and support treatment decisions. Testing informs treatment rather than replacing it, and the free facility is intended to reduce dependence on private centres rather than determine treatment prices.
Frequently asked questions
1. Which cancer tests will be free at the approved BMHRC laboratory?
Specialised breast and lung cancer tests will be free at the approved laboratory.
2. Who approved the cancer testing laboratory at BMHRC?
The Indian Council of Medical Research approved the laboratory at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre.
3. What will the four breast cancer tests at BMHRC help assess?
The tests will help assess hormonal effects and the pace of disease progression.
4. What will lung cancer testing at BMHRC identify?
Lung cancer testing will help identify changes in cells.
All sources
- Original13 November 2026 · Read story