It\u2019s impossible to predict exactly who will and who won\u2019t get cancer \u2014 but there are certainly factors that we know increase our risk, like family history and smoking.<\/p>\n
Also upping your odds? Certain illnesses. And they account for more cancer cases than you might think.<\/p>\n
A new study published in the Lancet Oncology<\/a> suggests that a staggering 2.3 million new cancer cases around the world in 2024 \u2014 or 12% of new cases \u2014 can be attributed to infectious diseases.<\/p>\n A new study suggests that 2.3 million new cancer cases around the world in 2024 can be attributed to infectious diseases. DUSITARA STOCKER \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n These are extremely common diseases \u2014\u00a0one affecting 90% of people around the world \u2014 that are contributing to cancer development. The good news is that we can take action to avoid all of these infections.<\/p>\n \u201cOur findings highlight the importance of infection control to achieve cancer prevention,\u201d the researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, wrote. This includes vaccination, scanning, testing and treatment, safe injection and sex practices.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what researchers found.<\/p>\n 1. The stomach bug H. pylori<\/p>\n An estimated 760,000, or 4%, of all cancer cases in 2024 could be traced back to the stomach bug Helicobacter pylori, the new study found.<\/p>\n More than half <\/a>the people in the world may get an H. pylori infection in their life. It spreads through contact with an infected person\u2019s saliva, vomit or stool \u2014 or through contaminated surfaces, food and water.<\/p>\n For many people, the bacteria doesn\u2019t cause any 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 pain, upset stomach, burping, bloating, loss of appetite and weight loss.<\/p>\n This long-term inflammation<\/a> as well as toxins<\/a> from bacteria can damage cells, leading to stomach cancer.<\/p>\n To avoid H. pylori, wash your hands, eat food that\u2019s been prepared and cooked in a clean space, and if you or someone in your household gets infected, finish prescribed antibiotics.<\/p>\n An estimated 760,000, or 4%, of all cancer cases in 2024 could be traced back to the stomach bug Helicobacter pylori, the new study found. NFstock \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n 2. HPV<\/p>\n Human papillomavirus accounts for\u00a0750,000 new cancer cases globally. It causes almost all cervical cancers<\/a> but can also cause throat, anal, vulvar, penile and vaginal cancers.<\/p>\n These infections are often passed through sex or through other skin-to-skin contact, and may produce warts.<\/p>\n The great news is that we have a very effective vaccine<\/a> that protects against 90% of HPV cancers, but it must be administered on time. The American Cancer Society<\/a> recommends all children get it between ages 9 and 12, but young adults up to age 26 who haven\u2019t yet gotten it should do so as soon as possible.<\/p>\n Outside vaccines, practicing safe sex and routine cervical screenings for women help reduce the risk of infection and development into cancer.<\/p>\n 3. Hepatitis B<\/p>\n An estimated 360,000 new cases of cancer (or 2% of all new cases) can be attributed to the liver infection hepatitis B.<\/p>\n For most people, an hepatitis B infection is short \u2014\u00a0but when it lasts more than six months, it becomes chronic and raises risk of liver cancer, liver failure and serious scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).<\/p>\n An acute infection might look like abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain and jaundice.<\/p>\n Like HPV, there\u2019s a highly affective hepatitis B vaccine available. The CDC recommends it for infants, children who haven\u2019t yet been vaccinated, adults 19-59 and older adults if they\u2019re at additional risk. Outside the vaccine, using condoms also reduces risk of hepatitis B.<\/p>\n About 260,000 cases of cancer (1% of all new cases) can be attributed to Epstein-Barr, which is the main cause of mono. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue and sore throat. Monstar Studio \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n 4. Epstein-Barr Virus <\/p>\n About 260,000 cases of cancer (1% of all new cases) can be attributed to Epstein-Barr Virus, researchers found.<\/p>\n EBV is one of the most common viruses in the world \u2014 about 90% of people in the world have been caught it. It\u2019s the main cause of mononucleosis, a k a \u201cmono\u201d or \u201cthe kissing disease.\u201d<\/p>\n Its symptoms look like other common illnesses: fatigue, fever, inflamed throat and swollen lymph nodes.<\/p>\n Catching EBV can increase the risk of getting cancer of the upper throat (nasopharyngeal cancer<\/a>). EBV has also been linked to lymphoma<\/a> and stomach cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n It spreads through bodily fluids, primarily saliva \u2014 so avoid this disease by not kissing, or sharing drinks, food or personal items like toothbrushes, with folks who are infected.<\/p>\n 5. Hepatitis C<\/p>\n About 160,000 (less than 1%) of cancer cases can be attributed to hepatitis C.<\/p>\n This virus spreads through infected blood, often shared needles, potentially causing serious liver damage that leads to cancer.<\/p>\n There is no vaccine available for this virus, but it is curable with medication.<\/p>\n