---
title: "Infections linked to 12% of global cancer cases, study finds"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/health/infections-linked-to-12-of-global-cancer-cases-study-finds"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/infections-linked-to-12-of-global-cancer-cases-study-finds"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/health/infections-linked-to-12-of-global-cancer-cases-study-finds.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/infections-linked-to-12-of-global-cancer-cases-study-finds"
category: "Health"
area: "Africa"
published: "2026-10-01T17:25:16.161Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-01T16:01:43.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-01T17:25:16.161Z"
trust_score: 86
critic_score: 95
hype_score: 50
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-01T19:00:06.653197+00:00"
---

# Infections linked to 12% of global cancer cases, study finds

*International Agency for Research on Cancer study identifies 12 pathogens responsible for 2.3 million new cases in 2024.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 86 of 100, higher is better. Multiple named experts, study document, and independent outlets corroborate the 2.3 M figure.
- Craft 95 of 100, higher is better. Full reports give context, quotes, specific data, and next‑step recommendations.
- Hype 50 of 100, lower is better. Headlines use sensational phrasing like “surprising culprit” across many digests.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Infections were estimated to cause 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024, accounting for about 12% of all new cases.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a WHO arm, conducted the study published in The Lancet Oncology.
- Helicobacter pylori and human papillomavirus (HPV) were the two largest contributors, each linked to roughly 750,000 to 760,000 cases.
- The burden of infection-related cancers is disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries.

Infections were responsible for an estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases globally in 2024, representing approximately 12% of all new cancer diagnoses, according to a study published in The Lancet Oncology. The research, conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), identified 12 specific infectious agents linked to cancer.

The two most significant contributors were the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and the human papillomavirus (HPV), each accounting for around 750,000 to 760,000 cases. Other identified infectious agents include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The study noted that infection-related cancers occur more frequently in low- and middle-income countries, with higher rates observed in Eastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa compared to North America.

## Disagreement on specific pathogens

While the IARC study identified 12 infectious agents, some reports focused on a smaller number. For instance, fakti.bg, citing AFP, mentioned that five pathogens are responsible for almost all infection-related cancers, with a stomach germ at the top. Similarly, El Universo and New York Post highlighted five common infections as being behind more than two million new cancer cases. Discover Magazine specifically named five infections, including Epstein-Barr virus, linked to the 2.3 million cases.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated digests mention the specific regional breakdown of infection-related cancer rates, such as the higher rates in Eastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa compared to North America, which was detailed in CTV News and CBC News. None of the right-rated digests mention the specific regional disparities in infection-related cancer rates.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 50 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 36% (18)
- Centre: 36% (18)
- Right: 28% (14)

56 of 106 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-01T19:00:06.653197+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 7 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-01T19:15:08.020Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports highlighted the preventability of many infection-related cancers. CBC News and fakti.bg noted that these infections are often preventable through vaccines. t-online.de stated that a large part of these diseases would be avoidable. La Opinion reported that one in eight tumors is attributed to preventable infections, naming Helicobacter pylori, HPV, hepatitis B and C viruses, and Epstein-Barr as concentrating most cases. Gizmodo's headline stated that the biggest culprit is not HPV, and The Independent mentioned that more than 626,000 Americans are projected to die from cancer this year, a detail not present in other reports.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports focused on the scale of the problem and the role of public health measures. CTV News quoted Dr. Harriet Rumgay, a co-author, stating that infection control can play a major role in reducing the global cancer burden and that infection-related cancers fall disproportionately on populations in low- and middle-income countries. Karena Volesky, an epidemiologist, was quoted by CTV News and CBC News saying that infections are a major cause of cancer and that public health measures like vaccinations and screenings are effective cancer-prevention tools. Eesti Rahvusringhääling's headline suggested that preventive work on infectious diseases could prevent millions of cancer cases. Allafrica.com reported that around 12% of the world's total cancer cases in 2024 were likely caused by an infection.

### Right

- Right-rated reports often used the word "surprising" to describe the link between infections and cancer. nytimespost.com, wfmd.com, and Fox News all used headlines stating a "surprising culprit tied to 1 in 8 cancer cases worldwide." Fox News mentioned HPV, H. pylori, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C among the top causes. El Universo and Iefimerida.gr highlighted that five common infections are behind more than two million new cancer cases and that these are preventable. New York Post also focused on the number of cases linked to five common infections.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- low: 1
- mixed: 10
- high: 19
- unknown: 55
- veryHigh: 20

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [People](https://people.com/1-in-8-cancer-cases-caused-by-common-infections-study-12147803) — 1 in 8 Cancer Cases Worldwide Are Caused by Common Infections, Study Finds
- [fakti.bg](https://fakti.bg/zdrave/1085348-predotvratimi-infekcii-prichinavat-okolo-23-miliona-dopalnitelni-sluchaa-na-rak-godishno) — Preventable Infections Cause an Estimated 2.3 Million Additional Cases of Cancer Annually
- [Stirile Pro TV](https://stirileprotv.ro/divers/unul-din-opt-cazuri-noi-de-cancer-la-nivel-mondial-este-asociat-cu-infectii-care-sunt-cele-mai-comune.html) — One in Eight New Cases of Cancer Worldwide Is Associated with Infections. Which Are the Most Common
- [iatronet.gr](https://iatronet.gr/article/143215/1-sta-8-peristatika-karkinoy-pagkosmios-syndeetai-me-loimoxh) — 1 in 8 Cancer Cases Worldwide Is Linked to Infection
- [n1info.rs](https://n1info.rs/magazin/zdravlje/pet-infekcija-odgovorno-je-za-vise-od-dva-miliona-novih-slucajeva-raka-godisnje) — Five Infections Are Responsible for More than Two Million New Cancer Cases Annually
- [t-online](https://t-online.de/gesundheit/aktuelles/id_101461068/krebs-durch-infektionen-diese-fuenf-erreger-loesen-fast-alle-krebsfaelle-aus.html) — Most Avoidable: Every Eighth Cancer Is Caused by Infections
- [nytimespost.com](https://nytimespost.com/surprising-culprit-tied-to-1-in-8-cancer-cases-worldwide-major-study-reveals) — Surprising culprit tied to 1 in 8 cancer cases worldwide, major study reveals - NEW YORK TIMES POST
- [wfmd.com](https://wfmd.com/2026/10/01/surprising-culprit-tied-to-1-in-8-cancer-cases-worldwide-major-study-reveals) — Surprising culprit tied to 1 in 8 cancer cases worldwide, major study reveals
- [Fox News](https://foxnews.com/health/surprising-culprit-tied-1-8-cancer-cases-worldwide-major-study-reveals) — Surprising culprit tied to 1 in 8 cancer cases worldwide, major study reveals
- [Knowridge Science Report](https://knowridge.com/2026/10/1-in-8-cancer-cases-may-be-caused-by-infections) — 1 in 8 Cancer Cases May Be Caused by Infections
- [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/health/article/common-infections-linked-to-1-in-8-cancer-cases-global-study-suggests) — Common infections linked to 1 in 8 cancer cases, global study suggests
- [mindbodygreen](https://mindbodygreen.com/articles/surprising-cancer-risk-factor-you-may-be-able-to-prevent) — A 2.3M-Case Analysis Found This Very Surprising Link To Cancer
- [Karar Gazetesi](https://karar.com/saglik-haberleri/milyonlarca-kanser-vakasinin-ardinda-enfeksiyonlar-var-iste-en-etkili-2075512) — Millions of Cancer Cases Are Linked to Infections: Here Are the Top 5 Contributing Factors.
- [Eesti Rahvusringhääling](https://novaator.err.ee/1610153212/who-raport-nakkushaiguste-alane-ennetustoo-hoiaks-ara-miljoneid-vahijuhte) — WHO Report: Preventive Work on Infectious Diseases Could Prevent Millions of Cancer Cases
- [Unknown](https://hindi.pardaphash.com/cancer-risk-beyond-tobacco-and-alcohol-beware-of-these-five-infections) — Beyond Tobacco and Alcohol, There's Also the Risk of Cancer! Beware of These Five Infections.
- [Business News This Week](https://businessnewsthisweek.com/business/the-hidden-cause-of-2-plus-million-cancer-cases) — The Hidden Cause of 2 plus Million Cancer Cases
- [Republika Online](https://ameera.republika.co.id/berita/tm7ukj451/studi-who-12-persen-kanker-dunia-berawal-dari-virus-dan-bakteri) — WHO Study: 12 Percent of Cancers in the World Start From Viruses and Bacteria
- [star.gr](https://star.gr/eidiseis/ygeia/729243/mia-stis-oktw-periptwseis-karkinoy-syndeetai-me-loimwxeis) — 1 in 8 Cancer Cases Worldwide Is Linked to Preventable Infections #StarGrNews
- [THE BEST](https://thebest.gr/article/847078-ena-sta-okto-nea-peristatika-karkinou-sundeetai-me-loimoxeis-pou-mporoun-na-prolifthoun) — One in Eight New Cancer Cases Linked to Preventable Infections
- [pmo.ee](https://pmo.ee/8555514) — Over Two Million Cancer Cases a Year Start with Five Completely Common Infections
- [El Universo](https://eluniverso.com/estados-unidos/salud-y-bienestar/el-sistema-inmunitario-al-limite-revelan-que-5-infecciones-comunes-estan-detras-de-mas-de-2-millones-de-nuevos-casos-de-cancer-nota) — Limit Immune System: 5 Common Infections Are Behind More than 2 Million New Cancer Cases
- [Newswise](https://newswise.com/articles/the-hidden-cause-of-2-million-cancer-cases) — The Hidden Cause of 2+ Million Cancer Cases
- [ALnavío](https://alnavio.es/el-12-de-los-canceres-a-nivel-mundial-esta-relacionado-con-infecciones) — 12% of Cancers Worldwide Are Related to Infections
- [Inside Precision Medicine](https://insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/oncology/rise-in-infectious-disease-caused-cancers-spurs-need-for-more-prevention) — Rise in Infectious Disease-Caused Cancers Spurs Need for More Prevention
- [Gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/1-in-8-cancers-can-be-traced-to-an-infection-the-biggest-culprit-isnt-hpv-2000819440) — 1 in 8 Cancers Are Caused by Infections. The Biggest Culprit Isn't HPV
- [tv9gujarati.com](https://tv9gujarati.com/health/cancer-caused-by-infections-know-the-5-key-viruses-1524661.html) — Cancer Reasons: Do Not Ignore These 5 Infections as Normal, They Can Be the Cause of Cancer!
- [University of Minnesota Twin Cities…](https://cidrap.umn.edu/hivaids/more-2-million-new-cancer-cases-caused-infections-2024-study-finds) — More than 2 million new cancer cases caused by infections in 2024, study finds
- [Folha de S.Paulo](https://redir.folha.com.br/redir/online/emcimadahora/rss091/*https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/equilibrioesaude/2026/09/1-em-cada-8-casos-de-cancer-esta-ligado-a-infeccoes-por-virus-ou-bacterias-aponta-estudo.shtml) — 1 in 8 Cancer Cases Is Linked to Infections - 30/09/2026 - Equilibrio E Saúde
- [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2026/09/30/health/millions-of-cancer-cases-are-linked-to-5-common-infections-study) — Millions of cancer cases are linked to 5 common infections: study
- [StartItUp.sk](https://startitup.sk/ma-ju-kazdy-druhy-clovek-na-svete-len-5-infekcii-je-zodpovednych-za-viac-ako-2-miliony-novych-pripadov-rakoviny-rocne) — Every Second Person in the World Has It: Just 5 Infections Are Responsible for More than 2 Million New Cancer Cases per Year
- [Metrópoles](https://metropoles.com/saude/cinco-infeccoes-estao-por-tras-de-2-milhoes-de-casos-de-cancer-no-mundo) — Five Infections Are Behind 2.3 Million Cases of Cancer in the World
- [techmaniacs.gr](https://techmaniacs.gr/pente-loimoxeis-syndeontai-me-perissotera-apo-2-3-ekat-nea-peristatika-karkinoy-kathe-chrono) — Five Infections Linked to More than 2.3 Million New Cancer Cases Each Year - Techmaniacs
- [allAfrica](https://allafrica.com/stories/202609300441.html) — Africa: One in Eight Cancers Are Likely Caused By an Infection Worldwide
- [Noticias al Día y a la Hora | Últimas Noticias del día de hoy…](https://noticiasaldiayalahora.co/salud/1-de-cada-8-casos-de-cancer-en-el-mundo-se-vincula-a-infecciones-prevenibles-cuales-son-y-como-reducir-su-riesgo) — 1 in 8 Cancer Cases Worldwide Is Linked to Preventable Infections: What They Are and How to Reduce Their Risk
- [Medscape](https://medscape.com/viewarticle/nearly-1-8-cancers-worldwide-caused-infections-2026a10010mx) — Nearly 1 in 8 Cancers Worldwide Caused by Infections
- [rador.ro](https://rador.ro/2026/09/30/unul-din-opt-cazuri-de-cancer-este-legat-de-infectii-majoritatea-putand-fi-evitate-potrivit-unei-agentii-a-oms) — One in Eight Cases of Cancer Is Related to Infections, Most of Which Can Be Avoided, According to a WHO Agency.
- [Unknown](https://english.pravda.ru/news/health/169409-infection-related-cancer) — Five infectious agents linked to millions of new cancer cases
- [Iefimerida](https://iefimerida.gr/ygeia/ena-sta-okto-nea-peristatika-karkinoy-pagkosmios-syndeetai-me-loimoxeis-poy-mporoyn-na) — One in Eight New Cancer Cases Linked to Preventable Infections - What a New Study Reveals - iefimerida.gr
- [TV9 Hindi](https://tv9hindi.com/lifestyle/new-study-finds-infection-could-be-reason-for-eight-in-one-cancer-worldwide-3921348.html) — Cancer Reasons: Don't Underestimate Infections! They Can Cause Cancer: Study
- [focus.de](https://focus.de/gesundheit/news/fuenf-viren-und-bakterien-verursachen-millionen-krebsfaelle_02d704aa-b4a1-46c7-83a3-10f2094d1631.html) — 5 Viruses and Bacteria Cause Millions of Cancers – You Can Protect Yourself From Them
- [Sueddeutsche Zeitung](https://sueddeutsche.de/gesundheit/krebs-infektion-hpv-li.3556325) — One in Eight Cancer Cases Worldwide Is Due to Infection
- [vietnamplus.vn](https://vietnamplus.vn/who-cong-bo-nghien-cuu-moi-ve-ty-le-cac-ca-ung-thu-bat-nguon-tu-virus-vi-khuan-post1139201.vnp) — WHO Publishes New Study on the Proportion of Cancer Cases Originating From Viruses and Bacteria.
- [Iatropedia](https://iatropedia.gr/ygeia/karkinos-ena-sta-okto-krousmata-prokaleitai-apo-sychnes-loimokseis-leei-o-pou/230430) — Cancer: One in Eight Cases Is Caused by Frequent Infections, Says WHO
- [indyturk.com](https://indyturk.com/node/783159) — One in Eight Cancer Cases Is Linked to Common Infections.
- [Terra](https://terra.com.br/noticias/um-em-cada-oito-casos-de-cancer-provavelmente-e-causado-por-infeccoes-por-virus-ou-bacterias-aponta-novo-estudo,b680bc84b6f7974ff35821804c01c94331qpg9eb.html) — One in Eight Cancer Cases Is Probably Caused by Infections by Viruses or Bacteria, Points Out New Study
- [zougla.gr](https://zougla.gr/ygeia/pa8isis-prolipsi/loimoxeis-kai-karkinos-to-12-ton-neon-peristatikon-pagkosmios-prokaloun-se-pente-pathogona) — Infections and Cancer: 12% of New Cases Worldwide Are Caused by Five Pathogens
- [economiematin.fr](https://economiematin.fr/cancer-cas-provoque-infections) — Health: One in Eight Cancer Cases Is Reported to Be Caused by Infections
- [scinexx.de](https://scinexx.de/news/medizin/infektionen-verursachen-global-jeden-achten-krebsfall) — Infections Globally Cause Every Eightth Cancer Case
- [TF1 INFO](https://tf1info.fr/sante/videos/video-allo-le-doc-des-vaccins-pour-se-proteger-du-cancer-14616-2467154.html) — Hello Doc: Vaccines to Protect Against Cancer
- [Welt](https://welt.de/wissenschaft/article6abb6d2936a3ebaeca5dd8a2/krebs-diese-fuenf-viren-und-bakterien-loesen-das-wachstum-von-tumoren-aus-so-schuetzen-sie-sich.html) — Cancer: These Five Viruses and Bacteria Trigger the Growth of Tumors. To Protect Yourself
- [Futura](https://futura-sciences.com/sante/actualites/cancer-cancer-huit-monde-lie-ce-facteur-risque-auquel-presque-personne-ne-pense-138091) — One in Eight Cancers in the World Is Linked to This Risk Factor.
- [Adevarul](https://adevarul.ro/stiri-interne/sanatate/studiu-unul-din-opt-cazuri-de-cancer-este-legat-2560637.html) — Study: One in Eight Cancer Cases Is Related to Infections. How Many of Them Can Be Prevented
- [Unknown](https://aajtak.in/science/story/cancer-risk-5-infections-23-lakh-cases-study-dskc-2656709-2026-09-30) — These 5 Infections Are Increasing the Risk of Cancer! They Are Linked to 2.3 Million New Cases in 2024. Learn How Serious the Threat Is.
- [Daily US Times](https://dailyustimes.com/infections-linked-to-1-in-8-new-cancer-cases-globally) — "Infections Linked to 1 in 8 New Cancer Cases Globally"
- [Le Singulier](https://lesinguliersete.fr/un-cancer-sur-huit-dans-le-monde-nait-dune-infection) — One in Eight Cancers in the World Is Born From an Infection
- [Life.ru](https://life.ru/p/uchenye-nazvali-pyat-infektsiy-svyazannyh-s-bolshinstvom-sluchaev-raka-v-mire) — Scientists Have Identified Five Infections Associated with the Majority of Cancer Cases in the World.
- [Discover Magazine](https://discovermagazine.com/5-infections-including-epstein-barr-virus-were-linked-to-2-3-million-new-cancer-cases-in-2024-49743) — 5 Infections, Including Epstein-Barr Virus, Were Linked to 2.3 Million New Cancer Cases in 2024
- [replicaonline.ro](https://replicaonline.ro/aproximativ-unul-din-opt-cazuri-noi-de-cancer-la-nivel-mondial-este-provocat-de-infectii-potrivit-oms-669737) — Approximately One in Eight New Cases of Cancer Worldwide Is Caused by Infections, According to WHO
- [France24](https://france24.com/en/one-in-eight-cancers-worldwide-linked-to-infections-who-agency-says) — One in eight cancers worldwide linked to infections, WHO agency says
- [La Opinion](https://laopinion.com/2026/09/29/uno-de-cada-ocho-tumores-se-atribuye-a-infecciones-que-se-pueden-prevenir) — One in Eight Tumors Is Attributed to Preventable Infections
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/9/29/1456758.html) — Scientists Have Identified Infection as the Cause of 12% of Cancer Worldwide
- [Prensa Libre](https://prensalibre.com/vida/salud-y-familia/el-12-de-los-canceres-en-el-mundo-esta-relacionado-con-infecciones-el-vph-y-helicobacter-pylori-entre-los-principales-riesgos-segun-un-estudio) — 12% of Cancers in the World Are Related to Infections: HPV and Helicobacter Pylori, Among the Main Risks According to a Study
- [INTELLINEWS](https://intelli.news/2026/09/29/un-cancer-sur-huit-est-du-a-une-infection) — Un cancer sur huit est dû à une infection
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/health/cancer-cases-world-infections-research-hpv-b3058352.html) — 1 in 8 cancer cases linked to common infections, new research finds
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/health/cancer-cases-world-infections-research-hpv-b3058352.html) — 1 in 8 cancer cases linked to common infections, new research finds
- [El Comercio](https://elcomercio.pe/tecnologia/actualidad/el-12-de-los-canceres-a-nivel-mundial-esta-relacionado-con-infecciones-noticia) — 12% of Cancers Worldwide Are Related to Infections
- [Medical Xpress](https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-cancers-infection-worldwide.html) — One in eight cancers are likely caused by an infection worldwide, new study finds
- [n-tv](https://n-tv.de/wissen/Jede-achte-Krebserkrankung-geht-auf-eine-Infektion-zurueck-id31360292.html) — Mainly Five Pathogens: Every Eighth Cancer Is Due to Infection
- [nin.rs](https://nin.rs/magazin/vesti/124511/svaki-osmi-slucaj-raka-ima-vezu-sa-infekcijama-naucnici-otkrili-glavne-uzrocnike) — Millions of Cancer Cases Could Have Been Prevented: These Infections Carry the Greatest Risk
- [Origo](https://origo.hu/tudomany/2026/09/rakkelto-fertozesek-ot-korokozo-szerepe) — The Five Most Carcinogenic Pathogens Have Been Revealed
- [Courrier international](https://courrierinternational.com/article/sante-un-cancer-sur-huit-est-du-a-une-infection_274973) — One in Eight Cancers Is Due to an Infection
- [anlatilaninotesi.com.tr](https://anlatilaninotesi.com.tr/20260929/kanserde-dikkat-ceken-arastirma-her-8-vakadan-biri-enfeksiyonlarla-baglantili-1109136154.html) — A Noteworthy Study on Cancer: One in Eight Cases Is Linked to Infections.
- [Globo](https://oglobo.globo.com/saude/noticia/2026/09/29/1-em-cada-8-casos-de-cancer-no-mundo-esta-associado-a-5-infeccoes-mostra-estudo-veja-quais.ghtml) — 1 in 8 Cases of Cancer in the World Is Associated with 5 Infections, Shows Study; See Which
- [ieidiseis.gr](https://ieidiseis.gr/ygeia/877237/nea-meleti-1-stis-8-periptoseis-karkinoy-syndeetai-me-loimoxeis-poy-mporoyn-na-prolifthoyn) — New Study: 1 in 8 Cancer Cases Linked to Preventable Infections
- [mannheim24.de](https://mannheim24.de/welt/infektionsbedingte-krebsfaelle-was-impfungen-verhindern-koennten-zr-94516214.html) — One in Eight Tumors Is Avoidable: Five Infections Trigger More than Two Million Cases of Cancer Every Year
- [Euronews](https://euronews.com/2026/09/29/one-in-eight-cancer-cases-worldwide-is-linked-to-preventable-infections-study-finds) — One in eight cancer cases linked to preventable infections
- [parismatch.com](https://parismatch.com/Actu/Sante/virus-bacteries-parasites-un-cancer-sur-huit-dans-le-monde-serait-lie-a-des-infections-pour-la-plupart-evitables-276564) — Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites: One in Eight Cancers in the World Would Be Linked to Mostly Preventable Infections
- [Healio](https://healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20260929/1-in-8-cancers-attributable-to-infections-burden-enormous-but-largely-preventable) — 1 in 8 cancers attributable to infections; burden ‘enormous’ but ‘largely preventable’
- [midilibre.fr](https://midilibre.fr/2026/09/29/hpv-hepatites-helicobacter-pylori-loms-alerte-ces-infections-evitables-sont-responsables-dun-cancer-sur-huit-dans-le-monde-13574313.php) — HPV, Hepatitis, Helicobacter pylori... WHO Warns: These Preventable Infections Are Responsible for One in Eight Cancers Worldwide
- [Dnevnik](https://dnevnik.si/novice/svet/samo-pet-okuzb-je-vsako-leto-odgovornih-za-vec-kot-dva-milijona-novih-primerov-raka-2830742) — Just Five Infections Are Responsible for More than Two Million New Cancer Cases Each Year
- [diariomedico.com](https://diariomedico.com/medicina/oncologia/vinculo-infecciones-cancer-mayor-creia.html) — The Link Between Infections and Cancer Is Greater than Was Thought
- [newsweek.ro](https://newsweek.ro/sanatate/cinci-infectii-sunt-legate-de-peste-23-milioane-de-cazuri-de-cancer-una-este-extrem-de-raspandita) — Five Infections Are Linked to More than 2.3 Million Cancer Cases. One Is Extremely Widespread • Newsweek Romania
- [EL NACIONAL](https://elnacional.com/2026/09/12-de-los-canceres-estan-relacionados-con-infecciones) — 12% of Cancers Are Related to Infections
- [Mathrubhumi](https://mathrubhumi.com/health/news/who-study-infections-cancer-hpv-vaccine-m3fbcjof) — Infections Behind 2.3 Million New Cancer Cases, Says WHO, Prevention Key
- [Telegram.hr](https://telegram.hr/pitanje-zdravlja/lifestyle/oko-23-milijuna-slucajeva-raka-u-svijetu-povezan-s-infekcijama-mnogi-se-mogu-sprijeciti-cijepljenjem-i-testiranjem) — About 2.3 Million Cancer Cases Worldwide Linked to Infections, Many of Which Can Be Prevented Through Vaccination and Testing
- [www.cnews.fr](https://cnews.fr/sante/2026-09-29/cancer-environ-un-cas-sur-huit-dans-le-monde-est-lie-des-infections-selon-une) — Cancer: About One in Eight Cases Worldwide Is Linked to Infections, According to a Study
- [Liberation](https://liberation.fr/societe/sante/environ-un-cancer-sur-huit-dans-le-monde-serait-lie-a-une-infection-dapres-une-etude-dune-agence-de-loms-20260929_35JFSX6Q3FFHBKEX4MAASZKUTA) — About One in Eight Cancers Worldwide Is Believed to Be Linked to Infection, According to a Study by a WHO Agency.
- [CBC News](https://cbc.ca/news/health/cancer-infections-9.7361622) — Researchers are discovering more infections that can cause cancer
- [Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/nearly-1-9-lakh-cancer-cases-in-india-linked-to-viral-bacterial-infections-says-lancet-study-10898760) — Nearly 1.9 lakh cancer cases in India linked to viral, bacterial infections, says Lancet study
- [realitatea.md](https://realitatea.md/unul-din-opt-cazuri-noi-de-cancer-este-legat-de-infectii-ce-arata-noul-studiu-al-oms) — One in Eight New Cancer Cases Is Related to Infections: What the New WHO Study Shows
- [yourlifechoices.com.au](https://yourlifechoices.com.au/health/the-common-infections-linked-to-millions-of-cancer-cases) — The common infections linked to millions of cancer cases
- [franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/sante/cancer/environ-un-cancer-sur-huit-dans-le-monde-est-lie-a-des-infections-souvent-evitables-selon-une-agence-de-l-oms_8214290.html) — About One in Eight Cancers Worldwide Is Linked to Often Preventable Infections, According to a WHO Agency
- [Sud Ouest](https://sudouest.fr/sante/sante-environ-un-cancer-sur-huit-dans-le-monde-est-lie-a-des-infections-selon-une-agence-de-l-oms-30830149.php) — Health: About One in Eight Cancers Around the World Is Linked to Infections, According to a WHO Agency
- [rfj.ch](https://rfj.ch/rfj/Actualite/Monde/20260929-Un-cancer-sur-huit-est-lie-a-des-infections-agence-de-l-OMS.html) — One in Eight Cancers Is Linked to Infections (WHO Agency)
- [The Conversation](https://theconversation.com/one-in-eight-cancers-are-likely-caused-by-an-infection-worldwide-new-study-292996) — One in eight cancers are likely caused by an infection worldwide – new study
- [RTS](https://rts.ch/info/sante/2026/article/cancer-un-cas-sur-huit-est-cause-par-une-infection-selon-l-oms-29370451.html) — Cancer: One in Eight Cases Is Caused by Infection, According to WHO
- [Scientific American](https://scientificamerican.com/article/one-in-eight-new-cancers-are-likely-caused-by-infections-theres-an-easy-way-to-protect-yourself) — One in eight new cancers are likely caused by infections—there’s an easy way to protect yourself
- [La Presse](https://lapresse.ca/actualites/sante/2026-09-28/dans-le-monde/environ-un-cancer-sur-huit-est-lie-a-des-infections-estime-une-agence-de-l-oms.php) — Around One in Eight Cancers in the World Is Linked to Infections, According to a WHO Agency
- [Le Monde](https://lemonde.fr/sante/article/2026/09/29/un-nouveau-cancer-sur-huit-cause-par-des-infections-selon-une-etude-du-circ_6785310_1651302.html) — One in Eight New Cancers Is Caused by Infections, According to an IARC Study
- [gabonactu.com](https://gabonactu.com/blog/2026/09/29/environ-un-cancer-sur-huit-dans-le-monde-est-lie-a-des-infections-estime-une-agence-de-loms) — About One in Eight Cancers Around the World Is Linked to Infections, According to a WHO Agency
- [Le Temps](https://letemps.ch/sciences/sante/environ-un-cancer-sur-huit-dans-le-monde-serait-lie-a-des-infections-selon-une-etude-du-centre-international-de-recherche-sur-le-cancer) — About One in Eight Cancers Worldwide Is Reported to Be Linked to Infections, According to a Study by the International Centre for Cancer Research
- [Science Alert](https://sciencealert.com/just-5-infections-responsible-for-more-than-2-million-new-cancer-cases-annually) — Just 5 Infections Responsible For More Than 2 Million New Cancer Cases Annually
- [El Pais](https://elpais.com/salud-y-bienestar/2026-09-28/uno-de-cada-ocho-tumores-en-el-mundo-se-atribuyen-a-infecciones-que-se-pueden-prevenir.html) — One in Eight Tumors Worldwide Is Attributed to Preventable Infections
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/89cb2748b19e2a38) — 1 in 8 Cancer Cases Worldwide Linked to Infections, Study Finds
- [Newsweek](https://newsweek.com/one-in-eight-worldwide-cancers-linked-to-infections-study-12482481) — 1 in 8 Cancer Cases Worldwide Linked to Infections, Study Finds
- [dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/health/article-16167009/one-eight-cancers-infections-risk.html) — One in eight cancers are linked to infections, new study finds

## Questions

**How many new cancer cases are linked to infections globally?**

An estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 were linked to infections. This figure represents about 12% of all new cancer cases diagnosed globally in that year, according to a study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

**Which infections are most commonly linked to cancer?**

The two infections most commonly linked to cancer are Helicobacter pylori and human papillomavirus (HPV), each accounting for approximately 750,000 to 760,000 cases. Other significant contributors include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

**Where are infection-related cancers most prevalent?**

The burden of infection-related cancers falls disproportionately on populations in low- and middle-income countries. Higher rates are observed in Eastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa compared to North America, according to the study.

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MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/health/infections-linked-to-12-of-global-cancer-cases-study-finds. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Infections linked to 12% of global cancer cases, study finds", https://mediabias.news/health/infections-linked-to-12-of-global-cancer-cases-study-finds