# Infections cause 12% of new cancers

> Infections like H. pylori can cause cancer. Preventable with vaccines and treatments.
- Title: Infections cause 12% of new cancers · The Washington Post
- Summary: Infections like H. pylori can cause cancer. Preventable with vaccines and treatments. Infectious agents cause 12% of new global cancer cases in 2024…
- Keywords: h. pylori, cancer, infectious agents, preventable, vaccines, cancer risk, news, world, Infections, cause, cancers, The Washington Post
- Source: The Washington Post — https://washingtonpost.com/health/2026/10/13/these-common-infections-can-cause-cancer-heres-what-can-lower-risk
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: h. pylori, cancer, infectious agents, preventable, vaccines, cancer risk, news, world
## New research finds
Infectious agents cause 12 percent of new cancer cases worldwide in 2024.
## Preventable cancer burden
A sizable share of the global cancer burden is preventable with existing tools like vaccines.
## H. pylori bacteria
Helicobacter pylori bacteria, a common cause of stomach ulcers, can lead to stomach cancer.
## Prevention strategies
Vaccines and other preventative measures can lower cancer risk from infections.
## Global impact
About 12 percent of new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 were caused by infectious agents.
## Preventable with existing tools
Researchers say the cancer burden is preventable with tools already available.
## Key infections
Infectious diseases like viruses and bacteria cause a significant portion of new cancers.
## Cancer prevention
Preventative measures such as vaccines can reduce cancer risk from infections.
## Global health impact
The study highlights the potential for reducing cancer cases through infection control.
## What happens next
Health organizations may expand prevention programs targeting infectious cancer causes.
## Key takeaway

Infectious agents cause 12% of new global cancer cases in 2024, preventable through existing tools.