Lancet: about 2.3 million cancer cases per year are linked to five infections

This is reported by TASS, citing a study published in Lancet. A team of physicians led by cancer epidemiology professor Harriët Ramge linked these cases to Helicobacter pylori, the human papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis C virus.

According to the authors’ estimates, Helicobacter pylori and the human papillomavirus each account for 4% of cancer cases. Hepatitis B virus is associated with 2% of cases, while Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis C virus account for 1% each.

The scientists write that their findings could form the basis for investment in research and the development of new infection prevention methods. They also emphasize that the scale of the link between infectious and oncological diseases is often underestimated.

According to their data, mass vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, as well as detection of Helicobacter pylori and hepatitis C, could prevent millions of cancer cases.