Published: 11/12/2019
Peer reviewed by two members of Breast Cancer UK independent Science Panel.
Exposure to certain organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides, now banned in the UK, has been shown to increase breast cancer risk in women. Residues of these are still present in the environment and in human body tissues. Pesticides
which are currently used may also increase breast cancer risk. Examples of these include the insecticide malathion and the herbicide glyphosate. Pesticides and herbicides may act as mammary carcinogens or increase breast cancer risk by disrupting hormones, especially oestrogen. Consumption of organic food reduces pesticide exposure.
Pesticides, organic food and breast cancer. Breast Cancer UK. 2019. https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/science-reviews/pesticides-organic-food-and-breast-cancer-science-review/
Currently under review.
