Infections Linked to Nearly 1.9 Lakh Cancer Cases in India
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology has identified a significant link between viral and bacterial infections and cancer cases in India, reporting that nearly 1.9 lakh cancer diagnoses in 2024 were associated with these pathogens. Globally, the study estimates that infections contributed to approximately 23 lakh new cancer cases, underscoring the role of preventable infections in the overall cancer burden.
Leading Pathogens and Impact
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) emerged as the primary infection linked to cancer in India, accounting for more than one lakh cases, with a high concentration in cervical cancer diagnoses. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was identified as the second major contributor, linked to approximately 47,000 cases. Other infections identified in the study as contributing to the cancer burden include the Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
According to PMC Article, infection-related factors account for about 15 to 20 percent of cancer-related deaths. According to Cancerworld Article, for HPV and HBV, In the 1970s and early 1980s, hepatitis B virus was strongly linked to liver cancer, and by the mid-1980s, human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 were discovered in cervical cancer tissues.
Prevention and Early Detection Strategies
Health experts emphasize that the burden of infection-related cancers is largely preventable through targeted public health interventions. Vaccination programs for HPV and hepatitis B are cited as critical tools for reducing long-term cancer risks. Furthermore, the study highlights that regular screening and the timely treatment of infections such as H. pylori can significantly lower the incidence of complications. Improving public awareness and ensuring equitable access to medical care remain essential components for managing these infections before they progress to serious health outcomes.
Experts emphasize screening adult women with an HPV test alongside appropriate management if positive to help prevent cervical cancer. Historical data also show that while third-dose hepatitis B vaccine coverage reached 86% in 2015, birth-dose coverage stood at only 45% despite high institutional deliveries.
According to Times Now, medical experts caution that widespread H. pylori prevalence in India requires targeted screening rather than indiscriminate antibiotic therapy to avoid antimicrobial resistance. According to Cancerworld Article, for Infection-related cancers, In high-income regions, the infection-attributable fraction of cancer is closer to 7–8%, while in low- and middle-income countries, it can exceed 25%.