Researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have released a comprehensive analysis indicating that roughly one in eight newly diagnosed cancers worldwide in 2024 – about 2.3 million cases – can be traced to infections. The study, published in The Lancet Oncology on September 28, examined global cancer data and identified twelve infectious agents that are proven causes of cancer.
Key infections driving the cancer burden
The twelve infections highlighted include Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma‑associated herpesvirus, Schistosoma haematobium, human T‑lymphotropic virus‑1 (HTLV‑1), Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis, Merkel cell polyomavirus and HIV. Five of these – HPV, HBV, H. pylori, HCV and EBV – account for the vast majority of infection‑related cancer cases worldwide.
Implications for prevention
“The findings underscore the major role that infection control can play in reducing the global cancer burden,” said Dr. Harriet Rumgay, a scientist in IARC’s Cancer Surveillance Branch, in a press release. She added that despite progress in vaccination and screening, infection‑related cancers remain a major challenge, disproportionately affecting populations in low‑ and middle‑income countries.
Experts stress that many of these cancers are preventable. Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, routine screening for cervical and liver cancers, and treatment of H. pylori infections can dramatically lower risk. Dr. Joshua Cohen, medical director of the Gynecologic Cancer Program at City of Hope Orange County, emphasized that while most people clear HPV on their own, persistent infection can lead to cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis and the oropharynx.
Local relevance and next steps
In the United States, about 40,000 people are diagnosed each year with cancers linked to HPV. Although the prevalence of H. pylori infection is lower here than in parts of Southeast Asia, individuals with peptic ulcer disease or chronic upper‑abdominal pain should discuss screening and treatment with their gastroenterologist.
Both Dr. Rumgay and Dr. Cohen encourage Americans to take advantage of the available HPV vaccine, especially those under age 45 who have not yet been immunized. “There is solid safety data supporting vaccination,” Dr. Cohen said. “It can protect against the majority of oropharyngeal, cervical, vaginal, penile and anal cancers linked to HPV.”
Study limitations
The authors note several limitations. The analysis relied on population‑level estimates rather than tracking individual patients, meaning the accuracy depends on the quality of cancer registries in each country. Additionally, the study only considered infections already proven to cause cancer, so the true impact of infectious agents may be higher.
Nevertheless, the research provides a clear call to action for public‑health officials, clinicians and individuals alike: strengthen vaccination programs, expand screening, and ensure timely treatment of known infections to curb a significant portion of the global cancer burden.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
