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Agricultural exposures and cancer
1Occupational Studies Section, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Blaira@epndce.nci.nih.gov
Environmental Health Perspectives
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Farmers show higher rates of certain cancers, including leukemia and non-Hodgkin
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Farmers exhibit generally favorable mortality rates.
- However, elevated cancer rates are observed for specific malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review existing literature on cancer in agricultural workers.
- Identify research gaps and propose future study directions.
- Characterize the value of agricultural cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of cancer incidence and mortality data in agricultural populations.
- Exploration of potential environmental exposures.
Main Results:
- Farmers have increased risks for leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, soft-tissue sarcoma, and cancers of the skin, lip, stomach, brain, and prostate.
- Rates for several of these cancers are increasing in the general population.
- Potential links to immunodeficiency suggested by agricultural exposures like pesticides and zoonotic microbes.
Conclusions:
- Agricultural environment may contribute to immune deficiencies leading to cancer.
- Further research is needed to identify specific exposures and risks.
- Findings could inform agricultural safety and general cancer etiology.