The use of pesticides and the development of cancer in farmers: A scoping review

Abstract

Giving the problem that involves the complex relationship between the use of pesticides and the onset of cancer, several studies have been developed around the world searching for evidence to prove it. The objective is to analyze the relationship between the use of pesticides and the onset of cancer in farmers, according to specialized literature. It is a scoping review. The search was carried out in three databases, and the articles were analyzed by two researchers and a third, for dealing with disagreements. Cohen’s Kappa value was tested to assess agreement regarding the data extracted from the studies. A total of 29 bibliographies made up the sample. The studies came from five continents. Case-control and cohort research dominated the review landscape, using inferential statistics with different types of statistical tests. A variety of cancer types were studied, and most of the articles pointed to a predisposition to cancer, referring to biomarkers for early prediction of this chronic disease. In conclusion, being a farmer and being exposed to pesticides confers a greater risk of developing cancer compared to those who are not exposed.