5 Infections An Oncologist Says Raise Your Cancer Risk (And How To Lower It)

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You probably know that lifestyle factors like smoking can increase our cancer risk, as can things that are out of our control, like our genes.

But a recent paper from the World Health Organisation found that 12% of the world’s total cancer cases in 2024 came from a less-discussed source: infections.

Viruses can turn off or disrupt a cell’s ability to destroy or divide itself, and may even carry cancer-causing genes.

Overall, the new research, published in The Lancet Oncology, linked 2.3 million new cancer cases to infections in 2024 alone. Five diseases contributed to the majority of these.

Here, we spoke to Dr Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist at Proton Therapy Centre, about which ones are riskiest and what we can do to make ourselves safer.

Most infections don’t raise your cancer risk

“First, it’s worth saying that you can’t ‘catch’ cancer from another person, and getting ill in general doesn’t raise your risk. Only a small number of infections are linked to cancer, and the common cold isn’t one of them,” Dr Kubes told us.

Most infections enter our body, make us ill for a while, and then leave.

But “a few can stay in the body for years, without causing obvious symptoms, which is where the risk lies,” the expert continued.

“Some viruses insert their genetic material into our cells and interfere with the mechanisms that normally stop cells from growing out of control. Others cause long-term inflammation, so the tissue is constantly damaged and repairing itself.

“Every time a cell divides, there’s a chance for an error, and over many years those errors can add up to cancer.”

This, however, is a often slow process.

“Cancer can take decades to develop, so in some cases the infection responsible has long gone by the time it’s diagnosed,” the expert continued.

Which infections can raise your cancer risk?

These are:

1) HPV

This is “the clearest example” of a disease leading to higher cancer risk, Dr Kubes said. “Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a long-lasting HPV infection.”

2) Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

EBV, which causes glandular fever, is also known as mononucleosis or “mono”.

This is “linked to some lymphomas”, said Dr Kubes.

3) Hepatitis B and

4) Hepatitis C

These conditions are associated with higher risks of liver cancer.

5) Helicobacter pylori

This is a stomach bacterium which “raises the risk of stomach cancer and a type of lymphoma”.

However, the doctor stressed: “Having one of these infections doesn’t mean you’ll develop cancer, as genetics and lifestyle play a big part too. I

“It’s also important to add that infection-related cancers are less common in the UK compared with parts of the world with poorer sanitation and less access to vaccination.”

How can I reduce my risk of disease-related cancers?

Luckily, Dr Kubes stated, “Because these cancers are driven by infections, many of them can be prevented.

“Vaccinations, such as the HPV and hepatitis B vaccines, protect against major

causes of cervical and liver cancer. If you haven’t had them, ask your GP whether you’re eligible.”

In the UK, the NHS vaccinates children aged 12-13 against HPV and is also offered to those at higher risk of HPV.

If you missed your childhood HPV vaccine, it’s available for

all girls aged 24 and under up until their 25th birthdayboys born after 1 September 2006 up until their 25th birthday.

“It’s also important to attend any screening appointments, such as a cervical screening, which may pick up HPV-related changes long before they become cancerous,” the expert continued.

A lot of these conditions don’t lead to clear symptoms, so if you think you might be at risk, contact your GP.

“Catching them early makes them easier to treat or manage. Practising safer habits, such as using condoms and not sharing needles, also lowers the risk of specific infections,” the oncologist ended.

“None of this should cause alarm, and most people with these infections will never develop cancer. If you’re unsure about your vaccination history or whether you should be tested, speak to your GP.”