Five Infections Linked to 2.3 Million Cancer Cases

A global analysis published in The Lancet Oncology estimates that infections caused about 2.3 million cancer cases in 2024—roughly 12% of diagnoses worldwide. Five pathogens account for most of the burden: Helicobacter pylori and HPV each contributed about 750,000 cases, with hepatitis B, Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis C also linked to cancers. Researchers say many of these cases are preventable through measures including vaccination, testing and treatment, safer injection practices, and access to prevention services. The burden is unevenly distributed: low- and middle-income countries accounted for about 77% of infection-related cases, and experts caution that the study’s estimate may be conservative. The findings also underscore the growing evidence linking Epstein-Barr virus to additional cancers.