Is Pesticide Exposure Causing Prostate Cancer? A number of malignancies are said to be linked to environmental factors. One of these is Prostate Cancer which strikes as one of the most common type of cancer among men resulting in a high death toll of 28,170 for the year 2012 alone. The role of farming and most specifically pesticides is said to be closely linked to this type of malignancy. The exposure of farmers to different chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, biological agents and various solvents and is currently being considered as a major risk factor for prostate cancer. A plethora of literature exists on the causes of prostate cancer. While varying studies may be found on the topic; there exists a unanimous conclusion by learned health experts that the link between Prostate Cancer and pesticides is undeniable. A pesticide is commonly used in agriculture and farming to prevent, repel or destroy pests. The term is not merely limited to insecticides but also encompasses a range of chemicals which are used to kill animals (such as rodents), bacteria and viruses as well. Pesticide exposure may occur in either of the following forms:
While preparing the pesticide mixture
While transferring the mixture to the required application equipment
While using the pesticides in an agricultural/commercial setting or
While simply entering an area where such chemicals have been used One of the main reasons Prostate Cancer risks are being associated to pesticides is due
to the resultant variations in androgen levels caused by these chemicals. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are two of the most essential androgens that may also turn into carcinogens. Exposure to organochlorines and methyl bromide pesticides impacts these hormone levels and their functionality. In addition, some pesticides which contain polychlorinated biphenyls tend to increase the endogenous oestrogen levels in an adult male, thus causing a detrimental impact on their endocrine processes. In other words, these estrogens-like compounds function as tumour promoters in the body. While pesticide exposure is closely linked to Prostate Cancer development, it is worth highlighting here that a number of other factors such as family history, age, smoking, hormonal levels and most importantly, the pesticide exposure duration, are some factors worth consideration while forming a strong link. There is little doubt the fact that Prostate Cancer is indeed a multi-factorial disease and that the biological impact of pesticides on our health is unavoidable. Given the fact that a number of compounds found in these chemicals
function as endocrine disruptors, there is a critical need to target future research on these exposures and the chronic risks associated with them. Behavioural risk factors, types and durations of exposure and occupational exposure; all need to be considered in order to better understand the Prostate Cancer risks in men.
Source 1: http://www.researchomatic.com/Prostate-Cancer-29439.html Source 2: http://www.researchomatic.com/prostate-cancer-50214.html