Editorial Article

Pesticides and Cancer

by Usama Nihad Rifat, FRCS, FACS

Emeritus Professor of Urology, Iraqi Board for Medical Specializations, Baghdad, IRAQ

*Corresponding Author:Usama Nihad Rifat, Emeritus Professor of Urology, Iraqi Board for Medical Specializations, Baghdad, IRAQ

Received Date: 12 December 2024

Accepted Date: 13 December 2024

Published Date: 15 December 2024

Citation: Rifat UN (2024) Pesticides and Cancer. J Urol Ren Dis 09: 1409. https://doi.org/10.29011/2575-7903.001409

Pesticides that are applied to farms or yards can remain in the environment for longer than intended. They can remain in the dust and soil at least one year following the previous planting season [1]. Studies have analyzed the association between pesticide exposure and colon plus rectal cancer.

It was observed associations with bladder cancer risk for two imidazolinone herbi cides, imazethapyr and imazaquin, which are aromatic amines [2].

In 2024 Researchers have identified 22 pesticides consistently associated with the incidence of prostate cancer in the United States, with four of the pesticides also linked with prostate cancer mortality. The findings are published by Wiley online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.  The years 1997–2001 were assessed for pesticide use and 2011–2015 for prostate cancer outcomes.

 Similarly, cases in 2002–2006 were studied for pesticide use and in 2016–2020 for outcomes. Among the 22 pesticides showing consistent direct associations with prostate cancer incidence across both time-based analyses, there were three that had previously been linked to prostate cancer, including 2,4-D, which is one of the most frequently used pesticides in the United States.

In 2024 Researchers have identified 22 pesticides consistently associated with the incidence of prostate cancer in the United States, with four of the pesticides also linked with prostate cancer mortality. The findings are published by Wiley online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.  By building on these findings, we can advance our efforts to pinpoint risk factors for prostate cancer and work towards reducing the number of men affected by this disease.” [3].

Previous epidemiologic studies have linked farming to an increased risk of prostate cancer . Analyses of data from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) revealed a significant excess of both PCa incidence and mortality   . Exposure to specific individual or ganochlorine (OC) and organophosphate (OP) insecti cides have been linked to prostate cancer in multiple studies. Specifically, a previous evaluation reported increased risks of aggressive PCa with exposure to aldrin (OC) and other agents. Other studies reported associations between increased risks of prostate cancer and chlordecone (OC) [4].

Furthermore cancer incidence including prostate cancer, occurred in tasks such as raising animals and handling stored grain [5]. Thus, eating more organic foods could help reduce exposure to pesticides and, consequently, potentially also reduce the risk of dangerous human diseases, although the exact link between disease incidence and reduced pesticide exposure is not well established [6].

Occupational exposures are a leading cause of bladder cancer, but occupational pesticide exposure has been little explored as a possible risk factor [2].

Collectively, pesticide exposure may be overlooked in organs carcinogenesis. Future studies with detailed pesticide information on specific active ingredients and those that explore risks are needed.

References

  1. Matich EK, Laryea JA, Seely KA, Stahr S, Joseph Su L, et al. (2021) Association between Pesticide Exposure and Colorectal Cancer Risk and Incidence: A Systematic Review, Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 219: 112327.
  2. Koutros S, Silverman DT, Cr Alavanja M, Andreotti G, Lerro CC, et al. (2016) Occupational exposure to pesticides and bladder cancer risk. International Journal of Epidemiology 45: 792-805.
  3. Soerensen SJC, Lim DS, Montez-Rath ME, Chertow GM, Chung BI, et al. (2024) Pesticides and prostate cancer incidence and mortality: An environment‐wide association study. Cancer.
  4. Pardo LA, Freeman LEB, Lerro CC, Andreotti G, Hofmann JN, et al. (2020) Pesticide exposure and risk of aggressive prostate cancer among private pesticide applicators, Environmental Health 19: 30.
  5. Lerro CC, Koutros S, Andreotti G, Sandler DP, Lynch CF, et al. (2019) Cancer incidence in the Agricultural Health Study after twenty years of follow-up, Cancer Causes Control 30: 311–322.
  6. Rahman A, Baharlouei P, Koh EHY, Pirvu DG, Rehmani R, et al. (2024) A Comprehensive Analysis of Organic Food: Evaluating Nutritional Value and Impact on Human Health, Foods 13: 208.

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Journal of Urology and Renal Diseases

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