Cancer research identifies blood markers and infectious links for early detection

New research highlights significant pathways for early cancer detection and prevention. One study involving over 275,000 patients suggests that longitudinal changes in routine blood test results can signal cancer risk three to five years before physical symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, appear. These blood markers can vary depending on the cancer type, such as white blood cell changes linked to lung cancer.

Separately, data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer indicates that approximately one in eight cancer cases globally is linked to infections. Out of 19.2 million new cases recorded in 2024, roughly 2.3 million were attributed to infections, primarily driven by five types: Helicobacter pylori, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and the Epstein-Barr virus.

Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden, accounting for 77 percent of infection-related cancer cases. East Asia reported the highest volume, with nearly 990,000 cases. Experts emphasize that many of these cases could be prevented through increased vaccination rates, improved access to preventative medicine, and better screening for infectious agents.