Some Infections Are Linked to 12% of New Cancer Cases

Why in News?

A recent report by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), published in The Lancet Oncology, found that 12% of new cancer cases in 2024 were attributable to 12 infections. The findings highlight the importance of infection prevention, vaccination and early diagnosis in reducing the burden of certain cancers.

About Infection-Related Cancers

Certain viruses and bacteria can contribute to cancer development by causing persistent infections, chronic inflammation or changes in cellular processes. Preventing or treating these infections can reduce the risk of some malignancies.

Major infection-related cancer risks identified in the report include:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Responsible for most cervical cancers and some head and neck cancers. HPV was associated with approximately 4% of new cancer cases in 2024.
• Helicobacter pylori: A bacterium that infects the stomach and is strongly associated with gastric cancer. It accounted for approximately 4% of new cancer cases.
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV): A major cause of liver cancer, associated with approximately 2% of new cancer cases.
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV): Also contributes to liver cancer and was linked to less than 1% of new cancer cases.
• Epstein–Barr virus (EBV): Associated with certain lymphomas, nasopharyngeal cancers and gastric cancers. It was implicated in approximately 1% of new cancer cases. More than 90% of the world’s population is estimated to have been infected with EBV.
• Other infections: Seven additional infections, including HIV, were identified as carcinogenic contributors in the study.

Important Characteristics of Infection-Related Cancers

Not everyone infected with a cancer-associated pathogen develops cancer. The progression from infection to malignancy may take many years, and infection is often only one of several contributing factors.

For example, the relatively high incidence of EBV-associated nasopharyngeal cancer in China may reflect a combination of viral infection, genetic susceptibility and environmental influences.

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