The Link Between Pesticide Use And Rising Cancer Cases In Kenya: Evidence, Challenges, And The Need For Comprehensive Research And Policy Interventions

Abstract

Use of pesticides in Kenya's agricultural sector has raised significant concerns about their potential role in increasing cancer incidences. Pesticides often contain carcinogenic chemicals, such as organophosphates, organochlorines, and glyphosate, which can disrupt cellular hormonal processes, damage DNA, and promote tumor growth. Occupational exposure among farmers and agricultural workers, environmental contamination of food and water, and improper pesticide are exacerbating these risks. There are global evidences linking certain pesticides to cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer. However, direct evidences in Kenya remains limited due to a lack of comprehensive studies. Local research has identified pesticide residues in food, water, and soil, with some studies revealing concentrations above acceptable limits. Organochlorine pesticides have for instance been detected in breast milk samples, indicating long-term exposure among Kenyan women. Additionally, regions with intensive agricultural activities, such as the Rift Valley and Mount Kenya regions, report higher cancer cases, suggesting a possible correlation with pesticide use. However, challenges such as underreporting of cancer cases, misdiagnosis, and the multifactorial nature of cancer complicate efforts to establish a direct link. To address these gaps, this study was instituted to investigate the relationship between pesticide exposure and cancer in Kenya. It included biomonitoring of pesticide residues in human tissues, environmental sampling, and epidemiological surveys to assess exposure levels and cancer prevalence. The results showed glyphosate and DDT with a correlation value of r = 0.75, Chi square (χ²) of 4.8125 and a p < 0.028. This showed that the pesticides often appeared together in the samples. Phthalates and molluscicides had correlation value (r = -0.40), χ² value of 12.2203 and p < 0.002 which is highly significant. This indicated that molluscicides are used in places where phthalates were less common. Studies have linked phthalate exposure to breast cancer, testicular cancer, and liver cancer due to their ability to mimic estrogen and disrupt normal cell growth. The research recommends, strengthening of regulatory frameworks, promotion of safer alternatives, and raising public awareness about the risks of pesticide misuse. Notably, Kenya can mitigate the potential health risks posed by pesticides and safeguard public health by integrating scientific research with policy interventions. Keywords: Agrovets, cancer, herbicides, residues, carcinogens, agriculture