Title: Global burden of cancer attributable to infections in 2018

Abstract: Infections with oncogenic infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, and parasites) are strong risk factors for specific cancers. Their contribution to the global burden of cancer has been periodically assessed by IARC.

Using newly released data from GLOBOCAN 2018, and refined methods, we estimated the number of new cancer cases and the age standardized incidence rate (ASIR) due to infections by country and then aggregated these estimates into geographical regions and Human development index groups.

The four most important cancer-causing infections worldwide are Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus, which together account for >90% of all infection-related cancers.

Application of existing public health methods for infection prevention, such as vaccination, safer injection practice, or antimicrobial treatments, supported by WHO elimination goals for cervical cancers and hepatitis viruses, could have a substantial effect on the future burden of cancer worldwide.