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

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

More than 12 percent of global cancer cases are linked to viruses, bacteria and other infections, new research published this year shows. The largest 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. That, in turns, leads to long-term changes in cells making them cancerous.

But experts point out that a lot of these infections are preventable using vaccines, or treatable in other ways.

“We have very actionable targets,” Gary Clifford, a cancer epidemiologist and one of the authors of the research, told The Washington Post on Wednesday. “We have very many tools against these viruses already.”

H. pylori

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

The bacteria primarily spreads from person to person, when sharing utensils, shaking hands or other methods of contact with vomit or poop from an infected person. H. pylori can also be passed through contaminated food and water.

Ensuring you’re drinking clean water and washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom can keep you safe, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

There’s currently no vaccine for these infections.

HPV

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is spread through sexual and non-sexual skin-to-skin contact. People may not know they are infected before passing the virus to their partner.

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

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

The second dose is administered between six months and a year after the first shot.

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

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can lead to liver cancer. For those who are infected, treatment depends on if its accurate or chronic hepatitis B. Some get medicine, while others need a full on liver transplant.

It is estaimted that around 2 billion in the world have had hepatitis B at some point in their life, with roughly 250 million people living with the chronic condition.

This virus is also prevented with a vaccine. A series of two-to-three shots is recommended for people starting at infancy, the CDC says. The shots are doled out in six-month increments.

Epstein-Barr

Epstein-Barr is a common virus that can cause cancer in the nose and throat. The virus spreads through saliva and bodily fluids; that could mean through a kiss, a cough, a sneeze, sexual contact and sharing or touching items that are infected.

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

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

Washing your hands after touching an infected item, not kissing someone with the virus and using protection when having sex with someone who has the virus can also reduce risk, the Clinic advises.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a top cause of liver cancer.

There’s no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C, either, though researchers have been working on it for decades, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, there are pills that can get rid of the virus in most people who are diagnosed with it.

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

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

Not sharing needles, getting a blood transfusion or organ transplant from a person who is infected, engaging in sexual activity with a person with the virus, or getting tattoos or piercings at these places can lessen risk, the agency says.