How can infections lead to cancer and what can we do about it?

Recently, health experts, including from the World Health Organization, discussed an important link: some types of cancer can be caused by infections. In fact, in 2022 alone, approximately 2.5 million new cancer cases were linked to an infection. The good news is that if we better prevent and treat these infections, we can reduce the number of cancer cases.

What types of infections can cause cancer?

Certain bacteria and viruses are the main culprits:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): A bacterium that can infect the stomach.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A virus usually transmitted through sexual contact.
• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Viruses that affect the liver.

How exactly do these infections lead to cancer?

There are three main ways:

1. Altering our cells: Certain viruses, such as HBV and HPV, can enter our cells and alter them, making them more prone to becoming cancerous. Vaccination is a very good method to prevent this.
2. Long-term inflammation: Infections with hepatitis viruses or the H. pylori bacterium can cause irritation and swelling (inflammation) that lasts a long time in the body. This chronic inflammation can, over time, lead to cancer. Fortunately, there are treatments that can eliminate these infections.
3. Weakening the immune system: People with a weakened immune system (for example, those with HIV) are more vulnerable. If they also have other infections, such as with HPV or the Epstein-Barr virus, the risk of developing cancer increases.

How are these infections transmitted?

• H. pylori: Most often, people get infected in childhood, through contact with contaminated fecal matter (for example, through dirty hands or contaminated water/food).
• HPV: It is transmitted through sexual contact and can cause different types of cancer, such as cervical cancer or cancer in the throat area (oropharyngeal).
• HBV and HCV: These viruses are considered dangerous and can cause liver cancer, often after causing cirrhosis (a serious liver disease). They are transmitted through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

What can we do to detect and prevent these problems?

Although there are good antiviral treatments for hepatitis B and C, we are not yet achieving global health goals. That’s why experts now recommend that everyone be tested (screened) for hepatitis B and C throughout their lives, as it is a cost-effective method.

Are there challenges in widespread testing?

Yes, there are some difficulties:

• It requires money and effort to inform the public about the importance of testing.
• Doctors need to be well-trained to advise patients correctly.
• In areas where these infections are rare, it might be necessary to test many people to find a single case, which complicates things.

What solutions are there?

Cancer specialists (oncologists) and infectious disease specialists need to collaborate more closely. Although testing everyone is a challenge, including these tests in regular health programs could help, especially for people who have less access to medical services. New ideas are needed to prevent infection-related cancers.

In short: Certain infections can increase the risk of cancer. By vaccination, treating infections, and regular testing for some of them (such as hepatitis B and C), we can reduce this risk. It is important to discuss these aspects and the tests you can do with your doctor.

Source Medscape