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Can Infections Cause Cancer? 12 Percent of Cases Linked to Pathogens
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News18•13-10-2026, 18:14
Can Infections Cause Cancer? 12 Percent of Cases Linked to Pathogens
- •Around 12 percent of global cancer cases in 2024 were linked to various infections such as bacteria and viruses.
- •Major culprits include Helicobacter pylori, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr virus.
- •These infections can alter cellular DNA over time, turning normal cells into cancerous ones.
- •Timely screenings, vaccinations, and simple preventive measures can effectively prevent infection-linked cancers.
Key Questions Answered
In 2024, approximately 12 percent of cancer cases worldwide, totaling 2.3 million cases, were linked to various infections.
The main infectious agents responsible for these cancers include Helicobacter pylori, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and the Epstein-Barr virus.
Women can prevent cervical cancer by getting tested for the HPV virus once every two to three years, which allows the virus to be detected and treated early.
