Surprising culprit tied to 1 in 8 cancer cases worldwide, major study reveals
For most people who are exposed to HPV, the body will clear the virus on its own, Cohen said.
“We don’t know why some patients’ immune systems allow them to clear the HPV infection and some don’t.”
Another very common cancer, although less so in the U.S., is gastric cancer, he noted, which is linked to H. Pylori, an infection in the stomach.
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“We don’t screen everybody for H. pylori in the U.S. — it’s more common in other parts of the world, like Southeast Asia.”
However, those who have peptic ulcer disease or significant epigastric pain should talk with a gastroenterologist about getting screened and treated for H. pylori, the doctor advised.
Prevention strategies
There are things people can do to reduce the risk of infection-related cancers, according to Cohen.
“As a patient, the most important thing is to think about your health, what you can do to prevent yourself from developing these infections or your family,” he said.
The researchers say many of these cancers could have been prevented through vaccination, treatment or screenings. (iStock)
“And if you do have one of these infections, what can you do to reduce your risk of developing a subsequent cancer?”
Cohen emphasized that Americans have access to an HPV vaccination that can help prevent many of these infections.
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“If you’re under the age of 45 and you’ve not had an HPV vaccination, there is various good safety data that you should get vaccinated,” he said. “That will cover, at least in the U.S., most risks regarding oropharyngeal cancers, vaginal cancers, cervical cancers, penile cancers and anal cancers.”
“There are steps we can take as doctors to keep you safe and hopefully reduce the risk of developing cancer for those that have had an infection,” an oncologist said. (iStock)
The doctor reiterated that developing one of the listed infections doesn’t necessarily mean someone will develop cancer.
“The vast majority of patients who have an HPV infection or H. Pylori, or even hepatitis B or C, are not going to develop cancer,” he said.
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But because these infections have been associated with certain cancers, it’s important to seek treatment for them.
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Symptoms such as epigastric pain (pain or discomfort in the upper middle part of your abdomen), acid reflux, abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain with swallowing could be related to medical conditions that may be associated with certain infections or cancer, the doctor warned.
“There are steps we can take as doctors to keep you safe and hopefully reduce the risk of developing cancer for those that have had an infection,” Cohen added.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/surprising-culprit-tied-1-8-cancer-cases-worldwide-major-study-reveals