Burden of cancer mortality attributable to carcinogenic infections in Spain

Introduction: The impact of carcinogenic infections on cancer-related mortality is unknown. Methods: The mortality due to cancers attributable to carcinogenic infections was estimated. The attributable fraction for the infectious agents classified as group 1 carcinogenic in human beings was applied to yearly data on causes of cancer mortality over the period 2013–2017 in Spain according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Results: It was estimated that 9115 deaths (over 110,287 cancer-related deaths, 8.3%) were attributable to infections caused by carcinogenic agents. The estimated number of deaths in men was 5434 (59.6%). The estimated mortality attributable to Helicobacter pylori infection accounted for 48.3% and four agents (H. pylori, HCV, HPV, and HBV) accounted for 96.8% of all cancer deaths attributable to carcinogenic infections. The burden of cancer-related mortality attributable to carcinogenic infections in Spain during the period 2013–2017 was approximately 8%. Conclusions: In Spain, one-twelfth of cancer deaths are attributable to carcinogenic infections. Public health measures aiming to reduce the impact of carcinogenic infections are essential.