Pesticides and cancer: what is the real risk for farmers?

Pesticides and cancer: what is the real risk for farmers?

The question of the harmful effects of pesticides on farmers' health continues to fuel the debate.

While agricultural unions like the FNSEA defend their use for economic and yield reasons, some voices, such as Ségolène Royal's, warn of a higher rate of cancers in the agricultural sector than in the general population.

But what do scientific studies actually say?

An overall risk comparable to the general population

Large surveys, notably the Agrican program (Agriculture and cancer), followed nearly 180,000 people affiliated with the MSA (Mutuelle Sociale Agricole) for over 15 years. Result: on average, the overall risk of cancer is no higher among farmers than in the rest of the population.

Between 2005 and 2011, researchers even observed a decrease in cancer risk among farm owners/operators, both men and women. This trend is partly explained by better lifestyle habits, notably lower tobacco consumption, which reduces lung and laryngeal cancers.

More specific cancers among farmers

If the overall rate is not higher, certain types of cancers are more prominent in the agricultural profession:

• Skin cancers: linked to prolonged sun exposure.

• Genital cancers (notably prostate): researchers have identified a higher incidence than in the general population.

Professor Pierre Lebailly, coordinator of the Agrican program, confirmed that this excess risk is observed particularly in cattle farming, where the use of insecticides and pesticides is common.

For ovarian cancers, some signals have also been detected, but the data are still insufficient to establish a direct causal link with phytosanitary products.

Essential vigilance

These results show that one should not generalize: pesticides are not responsible for all agricultural cancers, but certain specific exposures clearly increase the risks. Research continues in order to better identify the molecules and contexts that are most dangerous.

For farmers, prevention involves:

• Wearing appropriate protective equipment (gloves, masks, coveralls).

• Regular medical monitoring, notably to detect skin and prostate cancers early.

• Alternative agricultural practices limiting the use of phytosanitary products.

The debate remains open: reducing exposure to pesticides is essential, not only to protect the environment, but also to preserve farmers' health.