{
  "id": 11721934,
  "title": "1 in 8 cancer cases are caused by infections, underscoring the importance of vaccines, experts say",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/1-in-8-cancer-cases-are-caused-by-infections-underscoring-the",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-03T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Science",
    "slug": "live-science",
    "url": "https://www.livescience.com/health/cancer/1-in-8-cancer-cases-are-caused-by-infections-underscoring-the-importance-of-vaccines-experts-say"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new study published in The Lancet Oncology finds that about 1 in 8 cancer cases are caused by infections, emphasizing the importance of vaccines in reducing cancer rates. Researchers analyzed 12 cancer-causing pathogens globally, estimating that roughly 2.3 million new cancer cases in 2024 were attributable to infections, accounting for 12% of all cancer cases that year. In India, up to 60% of cancers may be preventable through infection prevention, alongside other risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use.\n\nThe study identified four pathogens responsible for 92% of infection-driven cancer cases: Helicobacter pylori (760,000 cases), human papillomavirus (750,000 cases), hepatitis B virus (360,000 cases), and Epstein-Barr virus (260,000 cases). Vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B have shown success in reducing cancer rates in wealthy nations, but low- and middle-income countries bear 77% of the global infection-driven cancer burden.\n\nDespite the availability of effective vaccines, widespread use remains a challenge. The HPV vaccine coverage in 2024 was only 31% among eligible adolescent girls, falling short of the 90% target. Recent trials have supported a single-dose regimen for HPV, which could make mass vaccination campaigns more feasible. While an effective vaccine for Epstein-Barr virus has yet to be developed, ongoing research may lead to a vaccine that can prevent infection and treat EBV-associated cancers.",
  "summary": "Four pathogens account for most infection-related cancers, a new study highlights, but the tools to prevent them range from well-established vaccines to treatments still under development.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}