Prostate cancer is a significant threat to men’s health. It ranks as the second most common cancer in men, behind only skin cancer. According to the most recent records, nearly 230,000 American men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007, and almost 30,000 died from the illness.
Considering these statistics, it’s understandable that men want to know about — and eliminate — as many prostate cancer risk factors as possible. One potential factor that has surfaced in recent studies is exposure to pesticides, both in our environment and through diet. So, should you be worried?
What the Research Says About Pesticides and Prostate Cancer
Concern over pesticides as a risk factor for prostate cancer has grown in recent years, in part due to studies like the one from the University of Southern California, which found that, when compared with a control group, men from the heavily agricultural area in California known as the Central Valley had a greater chance of developing prostate cancer if exposed to certain pesticides — methyl bromide and organochlorines.
Earlier research published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives also established a connection between prostate cancer and organochlorines. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Florida evaluated the incidence of prostate cancer among a group of participants in the wide-reaching National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that men with higher blood levels of organochlorines were more likely to have prostate cancer than men with lower levels.
What Doctors Say
Despite this research, doctors say that the vast majority of men don’t need to worry about their pesticide exposure.
“There are very limited studies that suggest there is a risk for prostate cancer from pesticide exposure, particularly in those that have high exposures due to working in, and living very close to, areas of exceptionally high pesticide use,” says Steven K. Clinton, MD, PhD, a professor at Ohio State University's James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. “But the average person is not exposed to a pesticide level that is of any concern. “
“Most of these studies have involved individuals who have an occupational exposure to pesticides, such as farmers or agricultural workers with heavy exposure,” adds Lee Richstone, MD, chief of urology at North Shore University Hospital in New Hyde Park, N.Y. “There is some data that has suggested that men in the general population who happen to reside in agricultural areas where there may be intensive pesticide exposure may be at increased risk [for prostate cancer]. However, looking at the evidence overall, there is no clear and conclusive evidence that pesticide exposure, particularly the low degree of exposure that most are subject to, places men at increased risk.”
Future studies could change this, of course, but for now at least, experts say most men probably aren’t in danger.
How to Reduce Your Pesticide Exposure
If you don’t want to take any chances, there are some simple things you can do to reduce your exposure and your prostate cancer risk — for example, when you’re shopping for groceries.
“Recently, an environmental group identified the ‘dirty dozen’ fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticide residue, even after washing,” says Shauna Birdsall, ND, director of naturopathic medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers & Hospitals’ Western Hospital in Goodyear, Ariz. “If you are trying to reduce pesticides, look for organic options when it comes to apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, imported nectarines, grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, kale or collard greens, lettuce, and domestic blueberries," she advises. "If organic options are too expensive, where possible, cut off the skin to reduce some of the residue.”
Also, if you work or live in an area with a high level of pesticide exposure, take steps to evaluate and address your risk. “Discuss your concerns about hazards in your workplace with your employer,” says Dr. Birdsall. “You can also have your home tested, and follow health and safety procedures, such as wearing protective clothing to control your exposure to environmental hazards.”
Last Updated: 3/28/2012