Study finds pesticide residues in breast cancer tissues, raises concerns over exposure risks
Raising concerns about the long-term impact of agricultural chemicals on human health, a recent study by researchers from Bengaluru has detected pesticide residues in breast
Raising concerns about the long-term impact of agricultural chemicals on human health, a recent study by researchers from Bengaluru has detected pesticide residues in breast cancer tissues. The findings point to a possible link between environmental exposure and cancer risk, while also highlighting gaps in awareness and safety practices at the grassroots level. However, the study also says that it is unlikely to be the sole cause of breast cancer. The findings emerge from a study conducted by researchers at Healthcare Global Enterprises (HCG), Bengaluru, and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study examined breast cancer tissue samples and found traces of several pesticides commonly used in Indian agriculture, prompting calls for stronger monitoring, farmer education and stricter regulation of pesticide use. 30 tissue samples The research team analysed 30 breast cancer tissue samples using high-resolution mass spectrometry and detected 49 different pesticide residues. The study found that pesticide concentrations were generally higher in the fatty tissue surrounding tumours than within the tumours themselves. According to the researchers, this pattern is consistent with the nature of many pesticides, particularly organophosphorus compounds, which tend to accumulate in fatty tissues.
These chemicals are also known to act as hormone disruptors and may contribute to chronic inflammation, both of which have been associated with cancer development. Lifestyle and environmental factors Krithikaa Sekar, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at HCG and lead author of the study, said breast cancer is increasingly linked to a combination of hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors. “Obesity is one of the leading causes of hormonal imbalance because fat cells produce excess oestrogen. This is one reason breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in many Western countries. India is also beginning to see similar trends as sedentary lifestyles and higher body mass index become more common,” she told The Hindu. Sekar said the study points to pesticide exposure as a potentially important but less-discussed risk factor. “Certain pesticides, particularly organophosphorus compounds, can mimic hormones. Many also act as irritants and tend to accumulate in fatty tissues. Repeated exposure to such chemicals can contribute to cancer formation. Since the breast contains a significant amount of fatty tissue, these compounds have a greater tendency to accumulate there,” she said.
The BriefWire