A 2024 study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reveals that one in eight cancer cases globally is linked to infections. This amounts to approximately 2.3 million new cancer cases, with five infections responsible for a significant portion of these cases.

Dr. Patrick Moore from the University of Pittsburgh emphasized to Newsweek the gravity of this issue, likening it to the prevalence of lung cancer in the U.S. He suggested that the IARC’s numbers might be conservative, indicating a potentially higher impact of infections on cancer rates.

Different regions show varying impacts due to geographical factors. For instance, HIV reductions from cuts in USAID support could increase cancer rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. Conversely, neonatal HBV vaccination expansion in Asia may lower liver cancer occurrences.

Professor Karl Munger from Tufts University noted that infections might account for 15 to 20 percent of global cancer cases, although lower income regions see higher proportions.

The Major Infections and Their Impact

The research identifies key infections leading to cancer: Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

• H. pylori – Linked to 760,000 cases, mainly gastric cancers.
• HPV – Responsible for about 750,000 cases, including cervical, anal, and other cancers.
• HBV – Associated with approximately 360,000 liver cancer cases.
• EBV – Causes 260,000 cases, affecting nasopharyngeal cancer, among others.
• HCV – Linked to 160,000 liver cancer cases.

Different regions like Eastern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa show high infection-related cancer rates, influenced by prevalence, prevention access, and socio-economic conditions.

Understanding Cancer Development from Infections

Dr. Gary Clifford explained that these infections exploit cellular functions to enhance their replication, often disrupting the DNA repair process, leading to cancer risk. Dr. Shan-Lu Liu noted mechanisms such as chronic inflammation also contribute.

Dr. Moore mentioned that certain viruses contain oncogenes directly inducing cancer under specific conditions, like immune suppression.

Preventable Cancer Through Infection Control

The study underscores that infections leading to cancer are generally preventable. Intervention methods like vaccinations and infection treatments can effectively reduce cancer rates.

Current barriers include financial, social, and political obstacles, restricting access to prevention techniques in low and middle-income regions.

Actionable Strategies and Recommendations

The IARC suggests prioritizing interventions like HPV and HBV vaccinations, screening, and infection treatments, particularly focused on high-risk populations. Encouraging equal access and removing stigma associated with infections remain critical challenges.

Liu advocates improving vaccination accessibility and infection management globally to tackle the burden in economically disadvantaged areas.