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Viruses are responsible for only about 5% of human cancer.
But they are much more common causes of cancer in animals, where
their experimental study has played a key role in the identification
of oncogenes. Both DNA and RNA viruses are implicated.
* Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes primary liver cancer.
Vaccination of the children of susceptible populations is
used for prevention.
* The Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is implicated in nasopharyngeal
cancer.
* The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), especially certain subtypes
like 16, are associated with cervical cancer. These viruses also
cause warts, which are benign tumors. Some parasitic infections are
associated with cancer.
* Infections with Schistosoma haematobium (schistosomiasis) may
be associated with bladder cancer. This parasite enters the skin
from water infected by snails.
* The liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis, is associated with cancer
of the gall bladder and hepatobiliary ducts.
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