Infections linked to a large share of new cancers worldwide, study finds

A recent publication in The Lancet Oncology presents a population-wide estimate that roughly one in eight newly diagnosed cancers worldwide are infection-related. The study, conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer under the WHO, identified Helicobacter pylori as responsible for about 760,000 cases, primarily stomach cancer, while human papillomavirus accounts for a similar magnitude of cases across cervical, throat, anal and penile sites.

Additional pathogens such as hepatitis B and C viruses, Epstein-Barr virus and liver flukes also contribute significantly. Researchers note that many of these cancers could be averted by preventing the underlying infections, citing the success of HPV vaccination programs in Australia, which have reduced HPV infections by about 90% and may eliminate cervical cancer as a public-health issue by 2035. The paper calls for expanded vaccination, screening and treatment efforts, especially in low- and middle-income countries where three-quarters of infection-related cancers occur.