One in eight cancers caused by infections, WHO study finds
WHO research linked 2.3 million cancer cases in 2024 to five infectious pathogens, showing many cancers are preventable.
Around 12% of global cancer cases in 2024, roughly 2.3 million, were caused by infections. Just five pathogens account for most: Helicobacter pylori (4%), human papillomavirus or HPV (4%), hepatitis B (2%), Epstein-Barr virus (1%), and hepatitis C (under 1%).
The five pathogens can trigger more than 20 cancer types including stomach, liver, blood, and cervical cancers. Viruses cause cancer by changing cell genes, inserting their own DNA into cells, or turning off the cell's ability to destroy itself.
Bacteria and parasites cause cancer through long-term inflammation and tissue damage. In Australia, HPV vaccination rates among 15-year-olds dropped from 85.7% in 2020 to 79.5% in 2024, raising concerns about cervical cancer prevention.
- 2.3 million in 2024
- Cancer cases from infection
- 12%
- Share of all cancers
- 85.7% to 79.5% among 15-year-olds
- HPV vaccination drop in Australia
- Helicobacter pylori at 4% of cases
- Leading pathogen
Why it mattersVaccination, screening, and treating infections can prevent millions of cancers, making the findings useful for health systems worldwide.
AustraliaAustralian vaccination rates are falling below targets needed to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035; strengthening HPV coverage is critical.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 h ago
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