mind & bodyanalysisOur World in Data

Viruses and bacteria cause a significant share of human cancers through long-term damage

the gist

Some cancers begin with an infection rather than a mutation that arises by chance. Certain viruses insert or activate genes that drive cells to keep dividing, as human papillomavirus does in cervical cancer. Some bacteria cause chronic inflammation that repeatedly damages DNA, as Helicobacter pylori does in the stomach. Over years, the damaged cells can accumulate further mutations until they become cancerous. Because these causes are preventable, vaccines against HPV and treatments that clear H. pylori can lower cancer rates. Researchers estimate that infections account for a meaningful minority of cancers worldwide, with the share much higher in poorer countries.

how it works

Chronic infection keeps tissue inflamed, and inflammation produces reactive molecules that can damage DNA. Some viruses add their own genes that switch off the cell's brakes on division. Over many years, these changes pile up until a cell grows out of control.

so what

Infection-linked cancers are one of the few cancer causes that vaccines and antibiotics can prevent. Recognising them turns some cancer prevention into ordinary public health work.

fun fact

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is the main known cause of stomach cancer, a link recognised by researchers who won the Nobel Prize in 2005.

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