Around 2 million new cancer cases in 2008 were attributable to infections. Of these, 1.9 million cancers (mainly gastric, liver and cervix uteri) were caused by Helicobacter pylori, HBV, HCV and human papillomaviruses. In men, liver and gastric cancers accounted for more than 80% of new cases. The researchers conclude that vaccination strategies, safer injection practices and antimicrobial treatments could have a substantial effect on the future burden of cancer.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
de Martel, C. et al. Global burden of cancers attributable to infections in 2008: a review and synthetic analysis. Lancet Oncol. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(12)70137-7
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The global burden of cancers attributable to infections. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 9, 364 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2012.106
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2012.106