Sunday 4 October 2026
Afternoon EditionRSS
ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
ScienceDeveloping

WHO study links one in eight cancers to infections globally

2.3 million cases in 2024 attributed to five pathogens

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
A comprehensive study published by the World Health Organization in The Lancet Oncology reveals that approximately 12% of the world's new cancer cases in 2024, about 2.3 million cases, were likely caused by an infection. The research identifies five main infectious agents responsible for the majority of these cases: Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis C.

The study, led by researchers who have tracked the link between infections and cancer for nearly thirty years, is the latest in a series of global estimates. Earlier analyses reported higher proportions, including 18% in 2002, but the authors caution that improvements in data quality make such comparisons unreliable. Instead, the study aims to highlight opportunities for cancer prevention through infection control.

Infections can cause cancer through several biological pathways. Viruses can disable a cell's self-destruction mechanism or its ability to stop dividing, for instance by inactivating the TP53 or RB proteins. This can allow infected cells to grow uncontrollably and eventually become cancerous. The five pathogens highlighted in the study are associated with more than 20 different cancer types, including stomach, liver, cervical and blood cancers.

The findings underscore that a substantial fraction of the global cancer burden may be preventable. Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, screening and treatment for H. pylori infection, and improved sanitation are among the measures that could reduce future cancer rates.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The finding that one in eight cancers has an infectious origin means a large proportion of cases are potentially preventable through targeted public health measures.
  • It provides a clear evidence base for prioritising vaccination programs, especially in low- and middle-income countries where infection rates are higher.
  • The identification of specific pathogens offers concrete targets for screening, treatment and prevention initiatives that could lower cancer incidence over time.

Background

The association between infections and cancer has been studied for decades. The same research group has produced global estimates since 1990, using progressively larger and more reliable datasets. While the reported proportion of infection-linked cancers has decreased from earlier peaks, the authors caution that this reflects better data rather than a true reduction. The current study focuses on the potential for intervention, not on historical trends.

Key Perspectives

Researchers: The study demonstrates that fighting infections is one of the most feasible routes to reducing the global cancer burden. Public health officials: The results reinforce the importance of existing vaccination and screening programs and provide a rationale for expanding them. Critics: The apparent decline from earlier estimates may be an artifact of improved data collection, making it difficult to assess real-world progress.

What to Watch

  • Uptake of HPV and hepatitis B vaccination campaigns in regions with high cancer-infection burdens.
  • Expansion of H. pylori screening and treatment, particularly in East Asia and parts of Africa.
  • Future WHO targets for reducing infection-attributable cancers.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

How we workReport an errorSubscribe