About one in eight new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 — 2.3 million cases — have been linked to infections, according to a new analysis from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).The researchers identified 12 specific infections that were linked to human cancer cases, including Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, Schistosoma haematobium, HTLV-1, Opisthorchis viverrini, Clonorchis sinensis, Merkel cell polyomavirus and HIV.The following five infections contributed to nearly all the global cases.POPULAR DAILY DRINKING HABIT COULD NEARLY TRIPLE RISK OF DEADLY CANCER, MAJOR STUDY FINDSAbout one in eight new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 — 2.3 million cases — were linked to infections, according to a new analysis from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
(iStock)"The findings underscore the major role that infection control can play in reducing the global cancer burden," said study co-author Dr.Harriet Rumgay, a scientist in the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC, in a press release."Despite progress in vaccination and screening, infection-related cancers remain a major global challenge, with the burden falling disproportionately on populations in low- and middle-income countries."CANCER DOCTOR REVEALS 5 HABITS THAT MAY REDUCE DISEASE RISK AND IMPROVE OUTCOMESThe researchers say many of these cancers could have been prevented through vaccination, treatment or screenings.The study, conducted in France, analyzed cancer data from 2024.
The findings were published in The Lancet Oncology on Sept.28.The study had several limitations, the researchers acknowledged.Because the study used population-level estimates rather than tracking individual patients over time, the results depended on the quality of available cancer data in each country.Additionally, it only included infections already prov...