A new study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found that about one in eight new cancer cases worldwide in 2024, totaling 2.3 million cases, have been linked to infections. The researchers identified 12 specific infections that contribute to human cancer cases, including Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus, and others.
The five most common infections contributing to global cases are Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and Epstein-Barr virus. The study's findings highlight the significant role that infection control can play in reducing the global cancer burden. According to study co-author Dr. Harriet Rumgay, "The findings underscore the major role that infection control can play in reducing the global cancer burden."
Many of these cancers could have been prevented through vaccination, treatment, or screenings, the researchers say. The study analyzed cancer data from 2024 and was conducted in France. The results were published in The Lancet Oncology on September 28.
The study has some limitations, including the use of population-level estimates rather than tracking individual patients over time, which may affect the accuracy of the results. Additionally, the study only included infections that have been proven to cause cancer, which may underestimate the total impact.
Experts note that while infections can contribute to cancer risk, most cancers are not caused by infection. For example, human papillomavirus is a common driver of cancers in the rectum, vagina, and oropharynx, but the vast majority of people exposed to the virus will not develop cancer.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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