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Common infections can cause cancer; how to lower your risk

The Washington Post reports that several widespread infections are linked to cancer, and outlines steps that can lower your risk; the hardest step is the phone call.

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Hank Ledger on BBN This Morning
Published 6:42 AM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Photo: Aciarium · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

▶ As it aired · U.S.

Watch it as it aired: Dr. Nina Byte and Hank Ledger on this story, from BBN This Morning at 6:42 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are The Washington Post's, the jokes are ours.

At a glance

First reported by The Washington Post: “These common infections can cause cancer. Here’s what can lower your risk.”
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 6:42 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Dr. Nina Byte and Hank Ledger.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The Washington PostThese common infections can cause cancer. Here’s what can lower your risk.

What BBN said about it

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentOkay, so what happened? I saw cancer and infections in the same headline and put my coffee down.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe Washington Post lays out how several common infections can lead to cancer, and what you can do to lower your risk.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentDoes this affect me? Because I touch doorknobs.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe Post says these infections are common, so it could reach a lot of people.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe risk can be lowered, and your doctor is the one to ask about how.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentMy doctor. The person I've been dodging since spring.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThat's the first step, then.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentFine, what happens next? Is there a cancer-fighting emoji I can send to my group chat?
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNobody has announced a next step yet. For today, read the Post's list and book the appointment.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentSo the real carcinogen is the hold music.

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