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Infections linked to 2.3 million global cancer cases in 2024

A study published in The Lancet Oncology, led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has identified that approximately 2.3 million new cancer cases in 2024 were linked to infectious agents. This accounts for roughly 12% of all global cancer diagnoses for the year.

The research highlights that the vast majority of these cases are driven by just five primary pathogens: Helicobacter pylori, which was responsible for about 760,000 cases; Human Papillomavirus (HPV) with approximately 750,000 cases; Hepatitis B virus (HBV) with 360,000 cases; Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with 260,000 cases; and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) with approximately 160,000 cases.

These infections can contribute to more than 20 types of cancer, including those affecting the stomach, liver, cervix, and blood. The study notes a significant burden on low- and middle-income countries, which account for 77% of infection-related cancer cases. Experts emphasize that many of these cancers are preventable or treatable through increased access to vaccinations, such as those for HPV and HBV, as well as improved screening and antiviral therapies.

Entities

Harriet Rumgay · Helicobacter pylori · Helicobacter pylori · Human papillomavirus · Human papillomavirus · International Agency for Research on Cancer · The Lancet Oncology · World Health Organization

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