Preventable Infection-Related Cancer Cases Worldwide: Insights from IARC Study

Understanding the Global Cancer Burden

In 2024, infections are estimated to account for one in eight cancer cases worldwide, according to research by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This figure represents 2.3 million new cancer cases that year, with specific infections being major contributors. The IARC findings suggest that improving infection control could significantly reduce this preventable segment of the cancer burden.

Insights from Experts

Dr. Patrick Moore from the University of Pittsburgh noted the global proportion of infection-related cancer mirrors lung cancer cases in the U.S., highlighting its significance. Dr. Moore cautioned that the estimates might be conservative, indicating the true impact of infections on cancer could be greater. He emphasized the geographical variation in infection’s effect on cancer rates, with HIV treatment reduction affecting Sub-Saharan Africa and neonatal HBV vaccination potentially lowering liver cancer in Asia.

Tufts University’s Karl Munger pointed out that infection-associated cancer globally might account for 15 to 20 percent of cases, although lower in high-income countries. Munger emphasized the overlooked link between infections and cancer and noted many infection-related cancers are preventable.

Leading Causes of Infection-Related Cancer

The study identified five key infections as major contributors to cancer cases in 2024:

• Helicobacter pylori: Associated with 760,000 gastric cancer cases.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Linked to 750,000 cases, primarily cervical cancer.
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV): Responsible for 360,000 liver cancer cases.
• Epstein–Barr virus (EBV): Linked to 260,000 cases, including nasopharyngeal cancer.
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV): Tied to 160,000 liver cancer cases.

Cancer burdens were notably high in Eastern Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and South-East Asia, reflecting variations in infection prevalence and socio-economic conditions.

Prevention Potential

Dr. Shan-Lu Liu from The Ohio State University highlighted the preventability of many infection-related cancers through vaccination, infection control, screening, and treatment. Liu emphasized the geographic disparities as a global health equity concern.

Dr. Gary Clifford explained the mechanisms by which infections can cause cancer, including disruption of normal cell repair processes and increased risk for mutated cells becoming cancerous.

Preventative Measures and Challenges

Although preventative tools like vaccines and tests exist, their usage and accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, lag due to financial, social, and political barriers. Further challenges include limited access to vaccination and treatment, social stigma, financial constraints, and inequitable healthcare access.

Future Directions

IARC urges prioritization of scaling up proven interventions including HPV and HBV vaccinations, testing and treatment for infections, safe injection practices, and cervical cancer screening. Expanding vaccination, improving accessibility to persistent infection treatments, and strengthening cancer screening in high-risk populations are essential steps forward.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Kara Dolman and Emma Lee-Sang

Reference: Rumgay H, Georges D, Huang Y, et al. (2026). Global burden of cancer attributable to infections in 2024: a worldwide incidence analysis. Lancet Oncology. DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00307-4