New Research Suggests Breast Cancer Is A Food-Borne Illness Primarily Caused By Pesticides

These concerns center around endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in pesticides, which are known to interfere with hormone function, particularly estrogen. Estrogen is a significant factor in the development of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers, which constitute a substantial proportion of breast cancer cases.

Approximately 6 billion pounds of pesticides are sprayed on crops worldwide annually, many of which contain chemicals that mimic or interfere with estrogen. These chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. For example, glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup—a product developed by Monsanto (now owned by Bayer)—has been shown to activate estrogen receptors in human breast cancer cells, thereby promoting their proliferation. This is particularly alarming given that glyphosate-based herbicides are among the most widely used in the United States and are found in trace amounts on many foods​.

Further studies have demonstrated that other pesticides, such as 2,4-D, also have estrogenic properties, contributing to breast cancer risk. Pesticides like these are banned or heavily restricted in countries like China and Germany, where the health risks are recognized, yet they are still used in agricultural products that are exported to other nations, including the United States​.

A concerning paradox emerges when we examine the global trade and use of these chemicals. Countries like Germany, home to Bayer, have banned certain pesticides due to their harmful effects. Yet, these same companies profit from selling these chemicals to countries with less stringent regulations. The situation becomes more alarming when considering Bayer's role in producing both the pesticides that are linked to cancer and the drugs used to treat cancer, such as those for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma—a condition linked to glyphosate exposure​.

Research has shown that agricultural workers and those living near treated fields are at higher risk for breast cancer, particularly those exposed to chemicals like glyphosate, 2,4-D, and malathion. In some regions, such as Arica, Chile, communities exposed to extensive pesticide spraying have seen significantly higher breast cancer rates, underscoring the dangers these chemicals pose​.

Given the compelling evidence linking pesticide exposure to breast cancer, there is a strong argument that breast cancer may indeed be, in part, a food-borne illness. The fact that these harmful chemicals are banned in the countries that produce them, yet remain prevalent in others, highlights a need for stricter global regulations and greater consumer awareness.

Thankfully, individuals can take proactive steps such as choosing organic foods, supporting local and organic farming practices, and advocating for policy changes that prioritize public health over corporate profits.

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