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Global cancer incidence linked to infectious agents

Overview

A scientific review published in The Lancet indicates that approximately 12% of new cancer diagnoses worldwide in 2024 were linked to viral or bacterial infections. This represents roughly 2.3 million cases globally.

Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, working with experts from China and Japan, identified 12 infectious agents classified as Group 1 carcinogens. The primary contributors are the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, linked to gastric cancer, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for most cervical cancers. Together, these two account for more than 1.5 million estimated cases.

Other significant contributors include Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), HIV, and various parasites. Experts emphasize that many of these cancers are potentially preventable through existing public health tools, such as vaccination for HPV and hepatitis, as well as improved hygiene and access to clean water to reduce risks from H. pylori.

Entities

International Agency for Research on Cancer · World Health Organization · The Lancet · Helicobacter pylori · The Lancet Oncology

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Infections linked to 12% of global cancer cases, study finds

    New research shows that 12% of global cancer cases are linked to viral and bacterial infections, many of which are preventable through vaccines and improved hygiene.

  2. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Infectious agents linked to 2.3 million cancer cases in 2024

    A global study estimates that 2.3 million cancer cases in 2024, or 12% of all new diagnoses, were caused by infectious agents, primarily Helicobacter pylori and HPV.

Sources

independent.co.uk · infodata.ilsole24ore.com · techno-science.net · topsante.com