Read article Viruses - A to Z
This page contains links to content about viruses - microscopic particles of DNA and protein that infect cells.
Cancer is not an infectious disease. But some types of infection, especially by certain viruses, increase the risk of particular kinds of cancer. In fact, up to one in four of all cancers worldwide are known to be linked to viruses and bacteria.
Our scientists have been at the heart of research to identify the links between infection and cancer.
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Viruses is a sub-category of Causes of cancer, Infections, Research and trials and Lab research
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Latest Viruses news from Cancer Research UK
- News story: Genetically engineered virus extends the lives of terminally-ill liver cancer patients
11 February 2013 - News story: HPV vaccine 'could substantially reduce' cervical cancer incidence
9 November 2011 - News story: Contraceptive intrauterine devices could reduce risk of cervical cancer
13 September 2011 - Press Release: Researchers modify virus to hunt down and wipe out cancer cells
23 April 2010 - News story: New HPV vaccine may offer broader protection against cervical cancer
3 July 2007 - News story: Step forward for anti-cancer viruses safety
1 August 2006 - Press Release: How vaccines can prevent cancer
10 March 2006 - Press Release: Birmingham scientists use viruses to combat cancer
26 August 2003
- News story: Researchers identify cervical cells most susceptible to HPV infection
11 June 2012 - News story: Virus discovery may aid treatment of children's brain tumour
26 September 2011 - Press Release: HPV predicts survival in tonsil and tongue cancers
3 November 2010 - News story: New technique may target viral cancers
18 June 2008 - News story: Engineered virus could treat brain cancer
16 November 2006 - News story: Scientists engineer potential cancer treatment virus
21 April 2006 - Press Release: Scientists trigger suicide switch in ovarian cancer cells
21 June 2004 - Press Release: From viral red alert to new breed of cancer vaccine
22 June 2003
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We were the first to link a virus to cancer, when our scientists observed ‘virus-like particles’ in the tumour of an African child with Burkitt's lymphoma. This virus was later named the Epstein-Barr virus.