A WHO analysis estimates that infections caused about 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024, roughly 12% of all cases. Five pathogens accounted for most: Helicobacter pylori and HPV each caused around 4% of total cancer cases, hepatitis B about 2%, Epstein-Barr virus about 1%, and hepatitis C less than 1%. Together, these infections are linked to more than 20 cancer types, including stomach, liver, blood and cervical cancers. The researchers caution against comparing the estimate directly with earlier studies because data sources and quality have changed; the study instead identifies opportunities to prevent cancer by controlling infections.
Viruses can promote cancer by disrupting genes that regulate cell growth or death, inserting their DNA into host cells, or carrying cancer-promoting genes. Bacteria and parasites can contribute through chronic infection, which drives inflammation, tissue damage and mutations as cells repair themselves. This makes many infection-related cancers preventable through vaccination, treatment, screening and measures such as condom use. Australia’s HPV vaccination program has reduced infections by 90% among eligible people and could help eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, but vaccination coverage has recently declined. The burden is also unequal: about three-quarters of infection-caused cancers occur in low- and middle-income countries, where prevention and treatment programs may be less accessible.
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