Infections Linked to 12% of Global Cancer Cases in 2024
A recent study reveals that infections are responsible for approximately 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.
Infections account for 12% of new cancer cases globally, translating to about 2.3 million cases in 2024.
Preventive measures like vaccines and screenings can significantly reduce cancer risks associated with infections.
Current vaccine hesitancy and changes in vaccination schedules may hinder progress in cancer prevention.
A new study published in Lancet Oncology has found that infectious agents contribute to around 12% of new cancer cases worldwide, equating to approximately 2.3 million cases in 2024. Researchers from the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) conducted this analysis, utilizing data from the Global Cancer Observatory and various cancer registries to assess the impact of infections on cancer incidence.
The study indicates that the age-standardized incidence rate for cancers caused by infectious agents stands at 22.7 per 100,000 person-years. Twelve infectious agents classified as Group 1 carcinogens by IARC were identified as significant contributors to new cancer cases. This finding aligns with previous research from 2018, which estimated that infections accounted for about 13% of new cancer cases, highlighting a concerning stagnation in progress.
Lorelei Mucci, an epidemiology professor at Harvard University, expressed alarm over the unchanged proportion of cancer cases attributed to infections since the earlier study, labeling it a public health failure. Harriet Rumgay, an epidemiologist at IARC and co-author of the study, noted that while direct comparisons between the two studies are complex due to the broader range of cancers considered, the overall trends have remained consistent.
Health experts emphasize the importance of existing preventive measures, such as vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B, as well as screenings for cervical cancer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends administering the hepatitis B vaccine to infants shortly after birth and starting the HPV vaccine series between ages nine and twelve. However, growing vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. could undermine these efforts, particularly for HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations.
The study underscores the urgent need for new prevention tools, especially for infections like the Epstein-Barr virus, which currently lacks effective prevention strategies. Rumgay highlighted the necessity for tailored prevention strategies that consider local healthcare needs and infection patterns. The findings of this study stress the critical role of accelerating efforts to control infectious agents as a means to achieve cancer prevention goals globally.
