A new analysis in The Lancet Oncology estimates that infections drove about 2.3 million new cancer cases in 2024, roughly 12% of all cases diagnosed that year, with just four pathogens, H. pylori, HPV, hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr virus, accounting for about 92% of this burden. Despite this, only 31% of eligible adolescent girls worldwide received at least one HPV vaccine dose in 2024, far below the 90% target, even as countries achieving over 80% coverage have seen cervical cancer rates plummet toward elimination. Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate 77% of the infection-driven cancer burden, underscoring major gaps in vaccine access. While effective vaccines exist for HPV and hepatitis B, no approved vaccine yet exists for EBV, a virus infecting up to 95% of adults, though its link to autoimmune diseases may accelerate development. Experts stress that prevention offers a far higher return on investment than treating cancer after it develops.
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