Prevention of virus-associated cancers

Infections cause more than 15% of all cancers in the world. Viruses are among the most common infectious causes of cancer. Primary prevention can significantly reduce the number of virus-associated cancers. Effective vaccines against human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus are currently available. Their introduction at the national level could significantly reduce the incidence and mortality from cervical and liver cancer. Effective vaccines against other viruses are not available yet. However, prevention of their transmission and antiviral therapy could also reduce the number of cancer cases.