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Infections Linked to Nearly One in Eight Cancer Cases
Some infections can stay in the body for a long time.
Over many years, they may damage cells or cause ongoing inflammation.
Sometimes this can make certain cancers more likely, but having an infection does not mean someone will get cancer.
A global analysis estimated that infections were linked to about 12% of new cancer cases in 2024.
Five infections accounted for almost all of the cases studied.
Vaccines can help prevent some of these infections, including HPV and hepatitis B. Screening and testing can help find some problems early.
Doctors can also treat certain infections, including hepatitis C and H. pylori.
Avoiding tobacco and other healthy habits remain important too.
A Lancet Oncology analysis estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 were linked to infections, about 12% of the total.
Five infections—H. pylori, HPV, hepatitis B, Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis C—accounted for almost all infection-related cases in the analysis.
The article says around 190,000 cancer cases in India were attributable to viral and bacterial infections.
Long-lasting infections may contribute to cancer through chronic inflammation, tissue damage or changes in cells, but infection does not mean a person will develop cancer.
Vaccination, screening, testing and treatment can help reduce risks from certain infections, alongside established prevention measures such as avoiding tobacco.
- Who
- People worldwide; the article also reports infection-attributable cancer cases in India. Dr Kasturi Baruah discussed prevention measures.
- What
- An analysis estimated that about 2.3 million new cancer cases in 2024 were linked to infections.
- Where
- Worldwide, including India.
- When
- The estimate concerns new cancer cases in 2024; the analysis was published in The Lancet Oncology.
- Why
- Some persistent infections can cause chronic inflammation, tissue damage or cellular changes that may increase cancer risk.
Key facts
- Global infection-linked cases
- About 2.3 million new cancer cases in 2024
- Share of all cases
- Around 12%, or nearly one in eight
- India estimate
- Around 190,000 cancer cases attributable to viral and bacterial infections
- Infections identified
- H. pylori, HPV, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis C virus
- Largest contributor cited
- H. pylori, linked to around 760,000 cancer cases globally in 2024
- India H. pylori estimate
- Approximately 47,000 cancer cases
- Prevention and management
- HPV and hepatitis B vaccination, cervical screening, testing, safe injection and blood practices, safe sex, and treatment of persistent infections
Quotes
Dr Kasturi Baruah
Cancer physician at M|O|C Cancer Care.
“Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is responsible for virtually all cervical cancers and is also associated with some cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina and throat.”
NDTV
“Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses provide another example. Chronic infection can damage the liver over many years and increase the risk of liver cancer.”
NDTV
Sources
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