Landmark Analysis Reveals Global Cancer Plans Neglect Human Aspects of Care, With Infections Causing 12% of Cases

A new study published in *The Lancet Oncology* highlights that cancer strategies worldwide often overlook the human side of care, focusing primarily on the tumor rather than the person. The analysis, conducted by the Lancet Oncology Commission on the Human Crisis in Cancer, found that only 3% of cancer plans referenced essential medicines for psychological distress, and post-treatment survivorship care appeared in 80% of high-income country plans but only 25% of low-income country plans. Separately, the study estimated that approximately 2.3 million new cancer cases globally in 2024, accounting for about 12% of all diagnosed cases, were attributable to infections with viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Four main pathogens—*Helicobacter pylori*, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)—are responsible for about 92% of these infection-related cancers. The findings underscore the importance of infection control, including vaccination, in cancer prevention.