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Health · Cancer research · published 2026-10-13 · via TIME

Infections Account for 12% of New Cancer Diagnoses, Report Finds

Image via TIME
Image via TIME

A new report from the WHO's cancer agency estimates that 12% of new cancer cases in 2024 were caused by 12 infections. HPV, hepatitis B and C, H. pylori, and Epstein-Barr virus are among the pathogens linked to various cancers. Most people with these infections will not develop cancer, and other factors often contribute.

Expanded Detail

A 2024 IARC analysis attributes roughly 12% of new cancer diagnoses to twelve infectious agents. HPV alone accounts for about 4%, while H. pylori is linked to a similar share. Hepatitis B and C contribute about 2% and under 1%, respectively; Epstein-Barr virus is tied to around 1%.

These pathogens do not inevitably cause malignancy. Cancer may appear years later, and genetic susceptibility or environmental exposures often play a role. Prevention options include antibiotics for H. pylori, HIV treatment, and vaccines against hepatitis B and HPV. The hepatitis B vaccine was the first designed to prevent cancer, and the HPV vaccine was approved two decades ago.

Context

The findings could strengthen public health messaging around vaccination and infection treatment. People in regions with higher burdens of HPV, hepatitis, H. pylori, or EBV may benefit most if prevention and care are accessible. Reduced infection-related cancers might

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
Read the full article at TIME →
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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “These Infections Are Linked to 12% of New Cancer Cases.” Browse more stories.