Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

One in eight cases of cancer worldwide is associated with infections

Helicobacter pylori and human papillomavirus are the most common pathogens causing cancer.

12% of the 2.3 million new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2024 are related to infection, according to a study published in The Lancet Oncology.

“42% of all cases detected in Asia.”

Helicobacter pylori was the bacterium that caused the most cancers, 760,000 cases, and was mainly associated with stomach cancer. The human papillomavirus had a similar effect. it was associated with 750,000 cases of cancer; in this case, mainly cervical cancer. They were followed by hepatitis B and C viruses and Epstein-Barr virus, among the pathogens responsible for cancer.

Low- and middle-income countries accounted for 77 per cent of infection-related cancer cases and Asia accounted for 42 per cent of all cases detected.

“Very few people develop cancer because of infection.”

Pathogens are the leading cause of preventable cancer worldwide, and the World Health Organization has identified 13 pathogens causing cancer in humans.

The authors explain that it is common to have an infection with one of these pathogens, but very few people develop cancer as a result of the infection. Most people who have had an infection with Helicobacter pylori or the human papillomavirus will not develop cancer.

Published data have shown that infection control actions are a very important tool for cancer prevention, such as vaccinations against these infections, lesion examinations, and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.