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.
What the study did
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.
Dr. 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.
Traces of 47 pesticides
As part of the study, researchers examined fat tissue surrounding breast tumours for nearly 100 pesticides commonly used in India and detected traces of 47 of them.
“Of these, three are already recognised as having carcinogenic potential. The remaining 44 have not been adequately studied for their cancer-causing effects. Their long-term health impact remains largely unknown,” Dr. Sekar said.
Pesticide-use practices
To understand possible sources of exposure, the team also interviewed 50 farmers about pesticide-use practices. The interactions revealed limited awareness about health risks associated with pesticide exposure.
“Many farmers told us that decisions on pesticide use are often guided by local practices or advice from shopkeepers rather than scientific recommendations. Excessive quantities are frequently used, and crops are sometimes harvested before the recommended waiting period that allows pesticide residues to break down,” she said.
Safeguards absent
The researchers noted a stark contrast between produce grown for export and that intended for domestic consumption.
“For export-oriented agriculture, soil testing, regulated pesticide application, mandatory waiting periods and residue testing are routine. Such safeguards are often absent in produce meant for local markets,” Dr. Sekar said.
She also pointed out that some pesticides still permitted in India have been banned in several other countries, while permissible residue limits abroad are often far lower.
“Consumers have a right to know the pesticide residue levels in the food they consume. More systematic residue monitoring and stronger enforcement of safety standards could make a significant difference,” she said.
Multifactorial disease
While stressing that breast cancer is a multifactorial disease influenced by genetic, hormonal and lifestyle factors, Dr. Sekar said the findings suggest that environmental exposure to pesticides may be an important contributor.
“Our study shows that pesticide residues can accumulate in the fat surrounding breast tumours. They are unlikely to be the sole cause, but unregulated pesticide exposure may be a significant contributing factor alongside other established risks,” she added.
Published – June 18, 2026 11:40 pm IST
