Exposures to pesticides and risk of cancer: Evaluation of recent epidemiological evidence in humans and paths forward

Abstract

Knowledge of the role in cancer etiology of environmental exposures as pesticides is a prerequisite for primary prevention. We review 63 epidemiological studies on exposure to pesticides and cancer risk in humans published from 2017 to 2021, with emphasis on new findings, methodological approaches, and gaps in the existing literature. While much of the recent evidence suggests causal relationships between pesticide exposure and cancer, the strongest evidence exists for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and colorectal cancer (CRC), diseases in which the observed associations were consistent across several studies, including high‐quality prospective studies and those using biomarkers for exposure assessment, with some observing dose‐response relationships. Though high‐quality studies have been published since the IARC monograph on organophosphate insecticides in 2017, there are still gaps in the literature on carcinogenic evidence in humans for a large number of pesticides. To further knowledge, we suggest leveraging new techniques and methods to increase sensitivity and precision of exposure assessment, incorporate multi‐omics data, and investigate more thoroughly exposure to chemical mixtures. There is also a strong need for better and larger population‐based cohort studies that include younger and nonoccupationally exposed individuals, particularly during developmental periods of susceptibility. Though the existing evidence has limitations, as always in science, there is sufficient evidence to implement policies and regulatory action that limit pesticide exposure in humans and, hence, further prevent a significant burden of cancers.

Dietary pesticide exposure and non-communicable diseases and mortality: a systematic review of prospective studies among adults

“…Overall – although not many – studies were of high quality and suggested a role of pesticide exposure through food on health, in particular, risk of cancer and subsequent mortality. This seems consistent with a recent systematic review on pesticides and risk of cancer [ 11 ].…”

Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures

“…Direct contact with pesticides is the leading cause of cancer around the world. This is a global issue that is presently fascinating researchers from all around the world [ 185 , 186 ].…”

Pesticide exposure and risk of cholangiocarcinoma: A hospital‐based matched case–control study

“…The NAFLD studies found a positive association with cancer and exposure to heavy metals, methyl tertiary-butyl ether and selenium and no association with trihalomethanes [31]. Even though recent evidence suggests causal relationships between PE and cancer, the most robust evidence exists for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and colorectal cancer (CRC) [32].…”