A recent study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of the World Health Organization, has found that infections cause approximately one in eight new cancer cases globally. The study, published in The Lancet Oncology, provides an updated picture of the disease, based on advancements in understanding cancer causes and extensive global data. The research estimates that around 2.3 million new cancer cases in 2024 were caused by infections, with Helicobacter pylori, also known as stomach bacteria, being a major contributor.
The study identified 12 infectious agents that contribute to cancer, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Helicobacter pylori was found to cause around 760,000 new cancer cases, while the human papillomavirus (HPV) was responsible for approximately 750,000 cases. Hepatitis B and C viruses also contributed significantly, causing around 360,000 and 160,000 new cancer cases, respectively. Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, was linked to around 260,000 cases.
The study highlights significant geographical disparities in cancer cases caused by infections. East Asia accounted for 42% of global infection-related cancer cases in 2024, primarily due to Helicobacter pylori and hepatitis B. Sub-Saharan Africa was also heavily affected, with 28.5% of cases attributed to HPV and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. The study emphasizes that most infection-related cancer cases occurred in low- and middle-income countries, where access to prevention and treatment varies.
According to the study, several evidence-based strategies can prevent most infection-related cancers. These include vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, screening and treatment for infections such as Helicobacter pylori and HIV, and the use of condoms. However, these preventive measures face ongoing challenges, including financial, political, and healthcare system barriers.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer is calling for the development of new tools, particularly vaccines against infectious agents that cause cancer but lack effective preventive measures. The agency emphasizes that addressing these disparities and improving access to prevention and treatment are crucial to reducing the global burden of infection-related cancers.
The study's findings underscore the importance of continued research into the causes of cancer and the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. By understanding the role of infections in cancer development, researchers and healthcare professionals can work towards reducing the incidence of infection-related cancers and improving health outcomes worldwide.
The study's lead author, Dr. Gary Clifford, noted that the picture of infection-related cancers continues to evolve as scientific knowledge advances. The research highlights the need for sustained efforts to address the significant burden of infection-related cancers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Key points
- Infections cause approximately one in eight new cancer cases globally.
- Helicobacter pylori and human papillomavirus are major contributors to infection-related cancers.
- Low- and middle-income countries bear a significant burden of infection-related cancers due to limited access to prevention and treatment.
