Here are common infections that can cause cancer – and how to protect yourself

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A surprising number of cancer cases are linked to common, everyday viruses, and scientists are shedding light on ways people can stay safe.

More than 12 percent of cancer cases worldwide are linked to viruses, bacteria and other infections, according to a new study published this year. The main contributors to the disease are Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis C virus, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

These infectious agents attack the stomach, genitals, liver, nose and throat. This in turn leads to long-term changes in the cells, making them cancerous.

But experts emphasize that many of these infections can be prevented with vaccines or treated by other means.

“We have very achievable goals,” said Gary Clifford, a cancer epidemiologist and one of the research’s authors. The Washington Post Wednesday. “We already have many tools against these viruses.”

H. pylori

Helicobacter pylori, or H. pyloriinfects the stomach lining and is linked to stomach cancer.

The bacteria is primarily spread from person to person, through sharing utensils, shaking hands, or other methods of contact with an infected person’s vomit or feces. H. pylori can also be transmitted through contaminated food and water.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, making sure you drink clean water and wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom can keep you safe.

There is currently no vaccine against these infections.

HPV

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is spread through skin-to-skin contact, both sexual and non-sexual. People may not know they are infected until they pass the virus to their partner.

Infections can cause cancer of the penis, anus, vagina, cervix, vulva and back of the throat. More than 42 million Americans have an active HPV infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Fortunately, there is an HPV vaccine that protects against nine strains of HPV. It’s called Gardasil-9. It is recommended that people receive two doses of the vaccine starting at age 11, according to the CDC.

The second dose is administered between six months and one year after the first injection.

“HPV vaccines can prevent more than 90 percent of HPV-related cancers when given at recommended ages,” says the American Cancer Society.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can lead to liver cancer. For those who are infected, treatment depends on whether it is specific or chronic hepatitis B. Some receive medication, while others need a full liver transplant.

It is estimated that around 2 billion people worldwide have had hepatitis B at some point in their lives, and around 250 million people live with this chronic disease.

This virus is also prevented with a vaccine. A series of two to three injections is recommended for people in early childhood, the CDC says. Vaccines are distributed in six-month increments.

Epstein-Barr

Epstein-Barr is a common virus that can cause nose and throat cancer. The virus is spread through saliva and bodily fluids; this can mean kissing, coughing, sneezing, sexual contact, and sharing or touching infected objects.

There is no vaccine yet to prevent Epstein-Barr virus – although researchers are working on it. Seattle cancer scientists have developed an antibody to block infections in mice.

People can protect themselves against this virus by avoiding sources of exposure, such as food, drinks, or toothbrushes.

Washing your hands after touching an infected object, not kissing someone infected with the virus, and using protection when having sex with someone infected with the virus can also reduce risks, the clinic advises.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer.

There is also no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, although researchers have been working on it for decades, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, there are pills that can clear the virus in most people who are diagnosed.

But preventing infection is still the best way to stay safe.

Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood, including at birth, during sexual intercourse, and when getting a tattoo or body piercing in an unlicensed facility, according to the CDC.

Not sharing needles, receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant from an infected person, having sex with someone infected with the virus, or getting a tattoo or piercing in these places can reduce the risks, the agency says.