Study from Bengaluru finds pesticide residues in breast cancer tissues,raising alarms about health risks tied to agricultural chemicals . Researchers at Healthcare Global Enterprises (HCG) published this in Journal of Clinical Oncology, suggesting potential link between pesticide exposure and cancer risk. But stresses pesticides unlikely sole cause of breast cancer.
They analyzed 30 breast cancer tissue samples with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Found 49 pesticide residues. Higher concentrations in fatty tissues around tumors than in tumors themselves. This pattern matches many pesticides,especially organophosphorus compounds,which gather in fatty tissues and disrupt hormones.
Dr. Krithikaa Sekar,Consultant Radiation Oncologist at HCG,lead author,noted breast cancer increasingly linked to hormonal,lifestyle,environmental factors. Obesity,major hormonal imbalance contributor,is rising in India. Mirroring Western trends. “Obesity causes hormonal imbalance because fat cells produce excess estrogen,” she explained.
Study found traces of 47 pesticides from nearly 100 used in Indian agriculture . Three known for carcinogenic potential,44 lack research on cancer effects. Long-term health impact of these pesticides still unclear.
Researchers interviewed 50 farmers to understand exposure sources . Showed lack of awareness about health risks. Farmers often base pesticide choices on local customs or shopkeeper advice,not science. Excessive use common. Crops sometimes harvested before residue breakdown waiting periods.
Dr. Sekar pointed out safety practice gap between export and domestic produce. “For export,soil testing,regulated pesticide application,waiting periods,residue testing are routine. Often absent for local markets,” she said.
She noted some pesticides allowed in India are banned elsewhere,with lower permissible residue limits. “Consumers should know pesticide residue levels in their food. Systematic monitoring and stronger safety standards enforcement could make a big difference,” Dr. Sekar added.
While study highlights breast cancer's multifactorial nature,including genetic,hormonal,lifestyle factors,it suggests pesticide exposure could be significant contributor. “Our study shows pesticide residues can gather in fat around breast tumors. Not sole cause,but unregulated exposure may contribute alongside other risks,” Dr. Sekar concluded.
