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Infections Linked to Nearly 190,000 Indian Cancer Cases
A large study looked at cancers connected to infections from viruses and bacteria.
It estimated that nearly 190,000 cancer cases in India in 2024 were linked to these infections.
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, caused the largest share of India’s infection-related cases.
HPV can cause cervical cancer, but vaccination can help prevent it.
Other infections, including hepatitis viruses and Helicobacter pylori, can also lead to cancer.
Around the world, infections were connected to about 2.3 million new cancer cases in 2024.
Many of these infections can be prevented, found early or treated.
Experts say vaccination, testing, safer medical practices and cancer screening could lower the number of cases.
A 2024 study published in The Lancet Oncology estimated that infections contributed to nearly 190,000 cancer cases in India.
More than 100,000 Indian cases were linked to human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer and can be prevented through vaccination.
Helicobacter pylori was associated with about 47,000 Indian cancer cases, while Epstein–Barr virus was linked to 22,000.
Globally, an estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases, or 12% of the total, were attributable to infections in 2024.
Researchers highlighted vaccination, infection testing and treatment, safe injections, condom access, HIV prevention and screening as ways to reduce the burden.
- Who
- Researchers led by Dr Harriet Rumgay at the International Agency for Research on Cancer studied cancer cases linked to 12 pathogens; Indian health experts also commented on prevention.
- What
- The study estimated that nearly 190,000 cancer cases in India and 2.3 million worldwide in 2024 were attributable to viral and bacterial infections.
- Where
- India and regions worldwide, including Eastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
- When
- The estimates cover new cancer cases in 2024, and the study was published in 2024 in The Lancet Oncology.
- Why
- The findings show that infection prevention, vaccination, testing, treatment and screening could reduce a substantial, preventable share of cancer cases.
Key facts
- India infection-linked cases
- Nearly 190,000 cancer cases in 2024
- Global infection-linked cases
- About 2.3 million cases, or 12% of all cancers diagnosed in 2024
- Largest Indian contributor
- Human papillomavirus was linked to a little over 100,000 cases
- Helicobacter pylori in India
- About 47,000 cancer cases
- Global leading pathogen
- Helicobacter pylori was linked to 760,000 cases worldwide
- Global HPV burden
- Human papillomavirus was linked to 750,000 cases worldwide
- Projected cancer growth
- Global new cases are predicted to rise from 20 million in 2024 to 35 million in 2050
Quotes
Dr Smita Joshi
Senior scientist at Prayas health group, not attached to the study
“What is also important is screening of adult women with an HPV test and appropriate management if positive for prevention of cervical cancer”
indianexpress.com
“The Hepatitis B vaccine is available at low cost but often there are supply shortages”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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