The association between pesticide use and cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background The incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM), the deadliest form of skin cancer, has gradually increased in the last decades among populations of European origin. Epidemiological studies suggested that farmers and agricultural workers are at an increased risk of CM because they were exposed to pesticides. However, little is known about the relationship between pesticides and CM. Objectives To investigate the association between exposure to pesticides and CM by systematically reviewing the literature. Secondary aim was to determine the categories of pesticides mainly involved in CM development. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed up to September 2018 using MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science. Studies assessing CM risk in licensed pesticide applicators were considered. Strict criteria were established to select independent studies and risk estimates; random effect models, taking into account heterogeneity, were applied. A pooled risk estimate for CM was calculated for the use of each type of pesticide and type of exposure. Between‐study and estimate heterogeneity was assessed and publication bias investigated. Results A total of nine studies (two case–controls and seven cohorts) comprising 184 389 unique subjects were included. The summary relative risks for the categories ‘herbicides – ever exposure’, ‘insecticides – ever exposure’, ‘any pesticide – ever exposure’ and ‘any pesticide – high exposure’ resulted 1.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 3.36], 1.57 (95% CI: 0.58, 4.25), 1.31 (95% CI: 0.85, 2.04) and 2.17 (95% CI: 0.45, 10.36), respectively. Herbicides and insecticides had no between‐study heterogeneity (I2 = 0%), while a significant heterogeneity (I2 > 50%) was detected for the high exposure to any pesticide. No indication for publication bias was found. Conclusions Individuals exposed to herbicides are at an increased risk of CM. Future properly designed observational studies are required to confirm this finding.

Persistent organic pollutants and risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma among women

“… 22 In contrast, recently conducted meta‐analyses do not support the relationship between CMM and exposure to PCBs and OCs. 7 , 8 , 23 While the studies included in the meta‐analyses were mostly from occupational settings with presumably much higher exposure levels, few of the studies involved direct assessment of POP body burdens. Variability in mixtures of PCBs and OCs to which populations are exposed, 6 as well as heterogeneous study designs (case–control vs. cohort) as well as variability in adjustment for potential confounders (e.g., UV/sun exposure) could potentially explain the mixed associations.…”

“…5 While oxidative stress and chronic inflammation have been speculated as mechanisms by which pesticides may increase cancer risk, an actual mechanism has not been identified. 23 , 24 PCBs and OC pesticides may also induce carcinogenesis through epigenetic mechanisms. Multiple studies have reported significant associations between DNA methylation and exposure to PCBs and OC pesticides.…”

“…In a recently conducted prospective study among Swedish women, exposure to dietary PCBs (based on food frequency questionnaire) was associated with a four‐fold increased risk of malignant melanoma 22 . In contrast, recently conducted meta‐analyses do not support the relationship between CMM and exposure to PCBs and OCs 7,8,23 . While the studies included in the meta‐analyses were mostly from occupational settings with presumably much higher exposure levels, few of the studies involved direct assessment of POP body burdens.…”

Dermato‐venereology in the year of coronavirus – Hot topics in research and patient care

“…A systematic review found an association between pesticide use and development of cutaneous malignant melanoma 17 …”

Effectivity of hand soap gel ethanol extract acem acem leaves (Oxalis dehradunensis Raizada) as pesticide cleaner

“…To reduce the exposure, the farmer used the wild plant called acem acem leaves or Oxalis dehradunensis Raizada as a medium to clean the soil impurities and pesticides. [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ]…”