New global study links twelve percent of all cancer cases to infections

New research shows that around 12% of the world's total cancer cases in 2024 were likely caused by an infection. Published in The Lancet Oncology by the World Health Organization, the study linked 2.3 million new cancer cases to an infection. Most of these cases were caused by just five pathogens: Helicobacter pylori at 4%, human papillomavirus or HPV at 4%, hepatitis B at 2%, Epstein-Barr virus at 1%, and hepatitis C at under 1%. These infections can cause more than 20 different types of cancer, including stomach, liver, blood, and cervical cancers.

Causes And Prevention

Viruses can cause cancer by changing the genes of the host cell in three main ways: by turning off a cell's ability to destroy itself or stop dividing, by inserting their own DNA into the host cell's DNA, or by carrying a gene that causes cancer. Bacteria and parasites like Helicobacter pylori and Opisthorchis viverrini cause cancer more indirectly through long-term chronic infection that leads to overactive inflammation and tissue stress. The new study highlights that about 75% of cancers caused by infections were found in low- and middle-income countries. Treating infections, using condoms, screening for diseases, and getting vaccinated are key ways to reduce these cancer rates.

Context

Vaccination programs like the human papillomavirus vaccine show how public health measures can successfully lower infection rates and prevent associated cancers. Maintaining high vaccination coverage across the population is essential to protect public health and reach global disease reduction targets.