Study Links Infections to One in Eight Global Cancer Cases

Infectious agents were linked to approximately 2.3 million cancer cases worldwide in 2024, accounting for nearly one in eight diagnoses, according to a new study. The findings highlight the significant role that viral and bacterial infections play in global oncology statistics.

Key Pathogens Driving Cancer Risk

The review conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer identified around 12 infectious factors associated with cancer development. Five of these pathogens were responsible for the vast majority of infection-related cases: Helicobacter pylori bacteria, human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and hepatitis B and C viruses.

Helicobacter pylori ranked first among these contributors, linked to roughly 760,000 cases. HPV followed closely with about 750,000 cases, while EBV was associated with approximately 260,000 instances. Hepatitis C accounted for another 160,000 cases.

Specific Cancer Associations

Each pathogen correlates with distinct types of malignancy. H. pylori is primarily connected to stomach cancer, whereas HPV serves as a leading cause of cervical cancer. EBV has been linked to nasopharyngeal cancer, certain gastric cancers, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Both hepatitis B and C viruses are associated with liver cancer.

Estimates May Be Conservative

Dr. Patrick Moore, head of Innovative Cancer Research at the University of Pittsburgh, told Newsweek that these figures might be "very conservative." He noted that the impact of infections on cancer risk is greater than many people realize and varies significantly by geographic region.

Researchers emphasized that a substantial portion of these cancers could be prevented using existing health measures. Key strategies include vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, alongside screening programs for specific infectious agents and early cancer detection.

Barriers to Prevention Services

Social, economic, and political obstacles continue to limit access to these preventive services in various regions. Consequently, researchers have called for increased investment in prevention efforts and the development of new tools, including vaccines targeting EBV and H. pylori.

Dr. Gary Clifford, the study’s lead co-author, stated that the results underscore the importance of continuing to develop preventive methods, particularly for infections that currently lack effective vaccines.