From the Guidelines
Several chemicals are known risk factors for prostate cancer, including phthalates, such as DiBP, DnOP, DMP, and Bisphenol A (BPA), which may contribute to risk through their hormone-disrupting properties, as evidenced by recent studies 1. These chemicals typically act as endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormone signaling or cause oxidative stress and DNA damage in prostate tissue. Other chemicals, such as Agent Orange, cadmium, arsenic, and certain pesticides like organochlorines and organophosphates, have also been linked to increased risk of prostate cancer. Occupational exposure to chemicals in the rubber manufacturing, painting, and printing industries has also been linked to increased risk. Some key points to consider include:
- Phthalates and BPA have been shown to have a high risk of developing various types of cancer, including prostate cancer, through many case-control studies 1.
- The U.S. EPA has classified DEHP and BBP as pollutants with probable human carcinogenic effects, and other phthalates and BPA may also pose a risk 1.
- Men with occupational exposure to these chemicals should inform their healthcare providers and consider more vigilant prostate cancer screening.
- A healthy diet and lifestyle may also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, with some studies suggesting that diets high in certain vegetables and fish may be associated with decreased risk 1.
From the Research
Chemicals Known to be Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
- Arsenic: exposure to arsenic has been found to be statistically significantly associated with prostate cancer risk 2
- Cadmium: occupational exposure to cadmium has been suggested to lead to prostate cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and other epidemiological studies 3
- Chlorpyrifos: although one study found no significant association between chronic exposure to chlorpyrifos and prostate cancer development 4, the Agricultural Health Study has identified an association between exposure to organophosphorous pesticides, including chlorpyrifos, and increased prostate cancer risk in pesticide applicators with a first-degree family history of the disease 4
- DDT: significant association between prostate cancer risk and exposure to DDT has been reported 5
- Dimethoate: increased aggressive prostate cancer risk has been found among ever users of the organodithioate insecticide dimethoate 6
- Lindane: significant association between prostate cancer risk and exposure to lindane has been reported 5
- Simazine: significant association between prostate cancer risk and exposure to simazine has been reported 5
Other Chemicals with Reported Associations
- Dichlone: significant excess risk for prostate cancer has been observed 5
- Dinoseb amine: significant excess risk for prostate cancer has been observed 5
- Endosulfan: significant excess risk for prostate cancer has been observed 5
- Malathion: significant excess risk for prostate cancer has been observed 5
- 2,4-D: significant excess risk for prostate cancer has been observed 5
- 2,4-DB: significant excess risk for prostate cancer has been observed 5
- Carbaryl: significant excess risk for prostate cancer has been observed 5