It’s impossible to predict exactly who will or won’t get cancer, but we certainly know that certain factors increase our risk, such as family history and smoking.
Do you also increase your chances? Certain illnesses. And they account for more cancer cases than you think.
A new study published in “The Lancet Oncology” suggests that 2.3 million new cases of cancer worldwide in 2024 – or 12% of all new cancer cases – can be attributed to infectious diseases.
These are extremely common diseases – affecting 90% of the world’s population – that contribute to the development of cancer. The good news is that we can take steps to prevent all these infections.
“Our results highlight the importance of infection control to achieve cancer prevention,” wrote the researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France. This includes vaccination, screening, testing and treatment, safe injections and sexual practices.
Here’s what the researchers found.
1. The stomach bug H. pylori
An estimated 760,000, or 4%, of all cancer cases in 2024 could be attributed to stomach disease. Helicobacter pyloriaccording to the new study.
More than half of the world’s population could become infected with H. pylori during their lifetime. It is spread through contact with the saliva, vomit or stool of an infected person – or through contaminated surfaces, food and water.
For many people, the bacteria causes no symptoms, but it can cause swelling of the stomach lining or a peptic ulcer (an open sore on the stomach lining). This can cause burning, stomach upset, burping, bloating, loss of appetite and weight loss.
This long-term inflammation and toxins from bacteria can damage cells, leading to stomach cancer.
To avoid H. pylori, wash your hands, eat prepared and cooked foods in a clean space, and if you or a member of your household is infected, finish prescribed antibiotics.
2. HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 750,000 new cases of cancer worldwide. It is responsible for almost all cervical cancers, but can also cause cancers of the throat, anus, vulva, penis and vagina.
These infections are often spread during sexual intercourse or other skin-to-skin contact and can produce warts.
The good news is that we have a very effective vaccine that protects against 90% of HPV-related cancers, but it must be administered on time. The American Cancer Society recommends that all children receive it between the ages of 9 and 12, but young adults under 26 who have not yet received it should do so as soon as possible.
Aside from vaccines, safe sex practices and regular cervical screenings in women help reduce the risk of infection and development of cancer.
3. Hepatitis B
An estimated 360,000 cancer cases (2%) of new cases can be attributed to hepatitis B liver infection.
For most people, a hepatitis B infection is short-lived, but when it lasts more than six months, it becomes chronic and increases the risk of liver cancer, liver failure, and severe liver scarring (cirrhosis).
An acute infection may present with abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain and jaundice.
As with HPV, there is a very effective vaccine for hepatitis B. The CDC recommends it for infants, children who have not yet been vaccinated, adults ages 19 to 59, and older adults if they are at additional risk. Apart from the vaccine, the use of condoms also reduces the risk of hepatitis B.
4. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
According to researchers, approximately 260,000 cases of cancer (1%) can be attributed to EBV.
EBV is one of the most common viruses in the world: approximately 90% of people worldwide have been infected. It is the main cause of mononucleosis, also called “mono” or “kissing disease.”
Its symptoms resemble other common illnesses: fatigue, fever, inflamed throat, swollen lymph nodes.
Getting EBV can increase your risk of cancer of the upper throat (nasopharyngeal cancer). EBV has also been linked to lymphoma and stomach cancer.
It is spread through bodily fluids, mainly saliva. So avoid this disease by not kissing, sharing drinks, food or personal items like toothbrushes with infected people.
5. Hepatitis C
Approximately 160,000 cases (less than 1%) of cancer cases can be attributed to hepatitis C.
This virus spreads through infected blood, often through sharing needles, potentially causing serious liver damage that can lead to cancer.
There is no vaccine available for this virus, but it is curable with medication.
Avoid this virus by practicing safe sex, checking the safety practices of all body piercing and tattoo shops, and stopping the use of illegal injection drugs.
Gn Health
