Recent research has revealed that infections are linked to approximately 2.3 million new cases of cancer globally in 2024, equating to roughly 12% of all cancer diagnoses worldwide. This significant finding highlights the pressing need for enhanced public health interventions to combat infection-related cancers.
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Published in the journal The Lancet Oncology, the study was conducted by researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO). They discovered that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) emerged as the leading cause, contributing to around 760,000 cases of cancer. H. pylori is known for its role in causing inflammation and ulcers in the stomach lining, and its link to stomach cancer is well-established.
The report also identified the human papillomavirus (HPV) as a major contributor, responsible for nearly 750,000 cases of cancer globally. This sexually transmitted infection is primarily associated with cervical cancer but is also linked to other forms, including anal, vulvar, vaginal, and even some head and neck cancers.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the impact of viral infections such as hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), which have been associated with a significant number of liver cancer cases. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is another notable pathogen, contributing to approximately 260,000 cases worldwide and associated with cancers such as nasopharyngeal cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Geographically, the research indicated that the incidence of these infection-related cancers was highest in regions such as Eastern Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. These disparities underscore a vital global health equity issue, as the burden of cancer from infectious causes is not evenly distributed.
Dr. Shan-Lu Liu, co-director of the Viruses and Emerging Pathogens Program at Ohio State University, expressed optimism regarding the findings. He pointed out that many of the cancers identified in the study are preventable through vaccination, infection control measures, and comprehensive screening and treatment approaches. Such strategies could significantly reduce the prevalence of these infection-related cancers.
Dr. Gary Clifford, a key scientist at the IARC and the lead author of the research, echoed this sentiment by stating that the findings reveal a substantial fraction of cancers caused by known infectious agents, emphasising their preventability. The recognition of this preventable burden calls for an urgent response from policymakers and health systems worldwide.
The urgency of the situation is further amplified by the suggestion that health authorities should increase efforts to implement effective public health interventions. This includes not only vaccines for HPV and hepatitis but also improved diagnostic testing and treatments to mitigate the risk of cancer stemming from these infectious diseases.
As the global community responds to these findings, there is hope that enhanced vaccination and screening efforts could lead to a reduction in the incidence of infection-related cancers, ultimately improving health outcomes across diverse populations. With continued research and comprehensive public health policies, there is potential to turn the tide against these diseases that significantly impact public health worldwide.