Millions of cancer cases worldwide linked to potentially preventable infections
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A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology found that approximately 1 in 8 cancer cases worldwide are associated with infections. Some of the most common include Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is linked to stomach cancer; human papillomavirus (HPV), associated with cervical and other cancers; and hepatitis B and C, which can lead to liver cancer. Many of these infections can be prevented or treated through vaccination, screening, and appropriate medical care, helping reduce the risk of developing certain cancers.
Source
Rumgay, Harriet & Georges, Damien & Huang, Yue & Hirabayashi, Mayo & Shah, Richa & de Martel, Catherine & Park, Jin & Soerjomataram, Isabelle & Clifford, Gary. (2026). Articles Global burden of cancer attributable to infections in 2024: a worldwide incidence analysis. The Lancet Oncology. 27. 10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00307-4.
Additional Reading
https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/05/health/cancer-cases-caused-by-infection-study-wellness
https://www.newsweek.com/one-in-eight-worldwide-cancers-linked-to-infections-study-12482481