Millions of new cancer cases around the world may be caused by infections that are either treatable or preventable, suggesting that the cancer could have been avoided altogether, reports BritPanorama.
Research published in the journal The Lancet Oncology reveals that approximately 1 in 8 cancer cases globally may be linked to infections, many of which can be prevented through vaccines, screening, or straightforward treatments.
Gary Clifford, the study’s senior author and an epidemiologist at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, stated, “We can intervene before it gets anywhere near cancer.” He emphasized the importance of political support, financial resources, and effective communication to implement preventive programs. “Prevention works,” he added, calling it an “awareness-raising issue.”
In 2024, the study estimated about 2.3 million new cancer cases were attributable to infections, which represented 12% of all cancer diagnoses. Notably, two infections were particularly emphasized: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), mainly linked to gastric cancers, and human papillomavirus (HPV), predominantly associated with cervical cancer. Together, these infections accounted for over 1.5 million cancer cases.
Other significant contributions from infections included:
- Hepatitis B (HBV): Linked to approximately 360,000 cancer cases, mostly liver cancers.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): Associated with about 260,000 cancer cases, particularly nasopharyngeal cancer.
- Hepatitis C (HCV): Tied to 160,000 cancer cases, mainly liver cancers.
Harriet Rumgay, an epidemiologist at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, noted that some infection-related cancers, like liver and gastric cancer, have poor prognoses, indicating a high proportion of deaths could also be linked to infection. She highlighted that effective prevention measures exist for four of the five leading infectious causes of cancer, including HPV and hepatitis B, for which vaccines are available.
The analysis, which drew from the Global Cancer Observatory’s Cancer Today database, reveals that the burden of infection-related cancers is disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for 77% of infection-attributable cancer cases. This reflects differences in access to vaccines, screenings, and treatments.
Veronika Fedirko, a professor of epidemiology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, mentioned that specific populations within the United States also experience higher rates of cancer related to infections, which can lead to disparities in cancer incidences. “Having a cancer-causing infection does not mean that a person will develop cancer,” she noted.
The study underlines the potential impact of comprehensive vaccination strategies, along with testing and treatment protocols for infections to reduce cancer risk. Preventive measures such as vaccination against hepatitis B and HPV can significantly lower the incidence of related cancers. Additionally, safe injection practices and condom use are identified as effective strategies to reduce transmission of various cancer-attributable infections.
Clifford concluded that getting tested and following up with a healthcare provider “almost takes away any cancer risk.” The emphasis on education and awareness around vaccination and infection treatments reinforces the potential for reducing future cancer cases through proactive public health measures.
