Global Study Connects Infectious Agents to Significant Portion of Cancer Cases

A new study published in The Lancet Oncology by the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that 12 infectious agents were responsible for approximately 2.3 million new cancer diagnoses globally in 2024, accounting for about 12% of all new cases. Helicobacter pylori and human papillomavirus (HPV) were identified as major contributors. The findings underscore opportunities for cancer prevention through expanded vaccination, screening, and treatment programs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where most of these cases occurred.