Oncogenic viruses (e.g., Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C)

Oncogenic viruses, like Hepatitis B and C, are virus types that can increase the risk of developing cancer, especially liver cancer. They infect cells and can cause long-term inflammation or genetic changes that promote uncontrolled cell growth. These viruses often persist in the body for years, and their ongoing activity can damage DNA, disrupting normal cell functions. While not everyone infected will develop cancer, their presence raises the risk, highlighting the importance of prevention through vaccination (like Hepatitis B) and testing for early detection and treatment.