Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 1: Nearly 1.9 lakh cancer cases in India in 2024 were linked to viral and bacterial infections, according to a study published in The Lancet Oncology.

Globally, infections were associated with around 23 lakh new cancer cases, highlighting the contribution of preventable infections to the overall cancer burden.

In India, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) was the leading infection linked to cancer, accounting for more than one lakh cases, particularly cervical cancer. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was another major contributor and was associated with around 47,000 cases.

Other infections linked to cancer included Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Experts have highlighted vaccination, screening and timely treatment as important measures to reduce the risk of infection-related cancers. Vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B can help protect against infections associated with certain cancers, while detecting and treating infections such as H. pylori and hepatitis can reduce long-term health risks.

Improving vaccination coverage and encouraging regular screening could therefore help reduce the burden of infection-related cancers. Greater awareness and timely access to healthcare can also help in detecting and managing infections before they lead to serious complications.