Can Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Cause Cancer? WHO's Latest Findings Explained
A new global analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), has highlighted the significant role of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in causing certain types of cancer. The report estimates that around 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024 were linked to infections, with EBV remaining one of the most important cancer-causing viruses.
Although more than 90% of adults worldwide have been infected with Epstein-Barr virus, health experts emphasize that infection alone does not mean a person will develop cancer. Most people experience either no symptoms or only mild illness, while the immune system keeps the virus under control for life.
So, what is Epstein-Barr virus, how does it spread, who is at risk, and can it be prevented?
Here's everything you need to know.
Key Highlights
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What Is Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as Human Herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), belongs to the herpesvirus family.
It is one of the most common human viruses, infecting nearly everyone at some point in life.
Most infections occur during childhood without causing symptoms. However, when infection occurs during adolescence or adulthood, it can lead to infectious mononucleosis, often called "mono" or the "kissing disease."
Once a person is infected, the virus remains dormant in the body for life.
How Does Epstein-Barr Virus Spread?
EBV spreads primarily through saliva.
Common ways the virus spreads include:
Kissing
Sharing drinks
Sharing food
Using the same eating utensils
Sharing toothbrushes
Because infected individuals often have no symptoms, they may unknowingly transmit the virus to others.
What Are the Symptoms of Epstein-Barr Virus?
Many people experience no symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they commonly include:
Fever
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Extreme fatigue
Enlarged tonsils
Most patients recover within a few weeks, although fatigue can sometimes persist for months.
Can Epstein-Barr Virus Cause Cancer?
Yes—but only in a small proportion of people.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies EBV as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient scientific evidence that it can cause cancer in humans.
EBV has established links with several cancers, including:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Burkitt lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma
Certain gastric (stomach) cancers
The latest IARC analysis also strengthens evidence linking EBV to gastric cancer, increasing its estimated contribution to the global cancer burden.
However, experts stress that the vast majority of infected individuals never develop cancer.
Why Doesn't Everyone Develop Cancer?
Although EBV infects most adults, cancer develops only in a very small number of cases.
Scientists believe cancer develops through a combination of factors, including:
Genetic susceptibility
Environmental factors
Immune system health
Lifestyle
Other infections
Simply testing positive for EBV does not mean someone has cancer or will develop it.
Who Is at Greater Risk?
People with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious EBV-related disease.
These include:
Organ transplant recipients
Stem cell transplant recipients
People taking immunosuppressive medicines
Individuals with certain immune disorders
Some EBV-related cancers also occur more frequently in particular regions.
For example, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is much more common in parts of East and Southeast Asia.
How Is Epstein-Barr Virus Diagnosed?
Routine testing is not usually necessary because EBV infection is extremely common.
Doctors may recommend testing when infectious mononucleosis is suspected.
Diagnostic methods include:
Clinical examination
EBV antibody blood tests
Heterophile antibody tests (Monospot)
EBV-specific antibody testing
For suspected EBV-related cancers, doctors may perform:
PCR testing for EBV DNA
Tumour biopsy
Tissue examination
A positive antibody test generally indicates previous infection, not cancer.
Is There a Treatment?
There is no medicine that eliminates latent EBV from the body.
Treatment depends on the illness.
For infectious mononucleosis, doctors usually recommend:
Adequate rest
Drinking plenty of fluids
Pain relievers
Fever-reducing medicines
Antibiotics do not work because EBV is a virus.
If EBV is linked to cancer, treatment depends on the specific cancer and may involve:
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Surgery (in selected cases)
Can Epstein-Barr Virus Be Prevented?
Currently, there is no approved vaccine against Epstein-Barr virus.
WHO recommends reducing transmission by:
Avoiding sharing drinks
Not sharing eating utensils
Avoiding shared toothbrushes
Practicing good hygiene
Scientists worldwide are actively researching vaccines against EBV.
Why the Latest WHO-IARC Report Matters
The latest analysis by WHO's cancer agency reinforces the growing understanding that infections contribute significantly to the global cancer burden.
While EBV remains extremely common and harmless for most people, identifying its role in cancer helps researchers develop:
Better prevention strategies
Earlier diagnosis
More effective treatments
Future vaccines
The findings also underline the importance of continued research into virus-related cancers.
Epstein-Barr virus is one of the world's most common infections, affecting more than 90% of adults. Although the virus remains in the body for life, most infected individuals never develop cancer.
The latest findings from the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer strengthen evidence linking EBV to several cancers, including gastric cancer, while emphasizing that cancer develops only when multiple risk factors interact.
As research continues, scientists hope new vaccines and improved therapies will reduce the long-term health impact of this widespread virus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)?
Answer. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common herpesvirus that infects more than 90% of adults worldwide and remains dormant in the body after infection.
Q2. Can Epstein-Barr virus cause cancer?
Answer. Yes. EBV has been scientifically linked to cancers such as Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and some gastric cancers, although most infected people never develop cancer.
Q3. How does Epstein-Barr virus spread?
Answer. The virus spreads mainly through saliva, including kissing and sharing drinks, food, utensils or toothbrushes.
Q4. Is Epstein-Barr virus contagious?
Answer. Yes. EBV is contagious and can spread even when infected individuals have no symptoms.
Q5. Is there a vaccine for Epstein-Barr virus?
Answer. No. There is currently no approved vaccine against Epstein-Barr virus, although several vaccines are under development.
Q6. Can Epstein-Barr virus be cured?
Answer. No. There is no treatment that removes the virus from the body. However, most infections resolve on their own, and the immune system keeps the virus inactive.
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