An estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024, or about one in eight cases, were likely caused by infections, according to a study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization agency, published in The Lancet Oncology.
The research examined the frequency and causes of different cancers, specifically looking at the role infections play in triggering them, according to Medical Xpress and France 24.
Many of these infection-linked cancers are considered preventable through vaccination or treatment of the underlying infection, according to multiple outlets.
The Daily Mail noted that the findings include a link between a common stomach bug and bowel cancer, though it did not name the specific pathogen.
Dr Gary Clifford, a scientist at IARC, was cited as the study's lead author by France 24.
How each side covered it
Left
- Scientific American emphasized that infection-associated cancers are largely preventable.
- The outlet highlighted an easy protective measure available to readers.
“Many cancers associated with infection are preventable” — Scientific American
Center
- France 24, Medical Xpress, Euronews and Newsweek reported the core finding of one in eight cancers linked to infections.
- France 24 interviewed lead author Dr Gary Clifford of IARC about the study.
- Medical Xpress noted the study was published in The Lancet Oncology and examined causes of different cancers.
“A new study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) shows that an estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 – about 12% of all new cancer cases – were caused by infections and could be prevented with treatment or vaccines.” — France 24
Right
- The Daily Mail reported the same one-in-eight statistic as other outlets.
- The Daily Mail specifically highlighted a common stomach bug linked to bowel cancer.
“One in eight cancers are linked to infections, new study finds, including a common stomach bug linked to bowel cancer” — Daily Mail
Questions readers ask
What did the new cancer study find?
The study found that about 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024, roughly one in eight cases, were likely caused by infections, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a World Health Organization agency.
Who conducted the research?
The research was conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization agency, and published in The Lancet Oncology. Dr Gary Clifford, a scientist at IARC, was cited as the lead author.
Why does this study matter?
The study suggests a substantial share of cancers worldwide could be prevented through vaccination or treatment of underlying infections, according to Scientific American and other outlets.
What did left- and right-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning coverage, via Scientific American, emphasized that infection-linked cancers are preventable and highlighted an easy way to protect against them. Right-leaning coverage, via the Daily Mail, highlighted a specific link between a common stomach bug and bowel cancer.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Scientific AmericanLeft-leaningOne in eight new cancers are likely caused by infections—there’s an easy way to protect yourself
- EuronewsCenterOne in eight cancer cases linked to preventable infections
- France 24CenterOne in eight cancers worldwide linked to infections, WHO agency says
- Medical XpressCenterOne in eight cancers are likely caused by an infection worldwide, new study finds
- NewsweekCenter1 in 8 Cancer Cases Worldwide Linked to Infections, Study Finds
- Daily MailRight-leaningOne in eight cancers are linked to infections, new study finds, including a common stomach bug linked to bowel cancer