Imagine a mere infection growing to become a life-threatening disease, like cancer.
An estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024, which makes it roughly one in every eight, were linked to infections, a new study published in The Lancet Oncology has found. According to the study, infections aren’t just a minor problem; they’re now proven to be responsible for one of the deadliest diseases globally. A lot of people associate cancer with aging, smoking, or bad luck in the gene pool, but bacteria, viruses, and even some parasites being included in the same mix? That’s new information. But the good news is that many of these infections can be prevented, detected, or treated, which gives us a real shot at lowering cancer risk.
The thing about infections is that they can linger quietly in the body for years, slowly causing inflammation, damaging cells, and messing with how cells grow. Sometimes that sets the stage for cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) looked at 12 infections known to cause cancer around the world. Their data show that boosting vaccination, screening, and treatment could cut a big chunk out of the global cancer burden, especially in places where these infections are common.
Still, getting one of these infections doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop cancer, and not all types are preventable yet. But catching and treating certain infections early can make a real difference.
Let’s dive into which infections are the biggest offenders, and how you can protect yourself: