Chemical Exposures as Risk Factors for the Development of Thyroid Cancer.

Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Occupational PAH exposure is modestly associated with upper gastrointestinal cancer risk, particularly esophageal cancer, with higher risk estimates observed in high-exposure occupations.

Dietary Pattern and Risk of Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Background The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has significantly increased over the past decades due to a few recognised risk factors. Although the relationship between dietary factors and TC is still not fully understood, emerging evidence suggests that certain dietary habits may influence the risk of developing this type of cancer. This systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023463802) investigated the association between dietary patterns and TC risk using the available evidence. Methods Five databases were searched (PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and LILACS) for observational studies in adults comparing unhealthy and healthy dietary patterns among individuals diagnosed with TC—between September 2023 and January 2025, without restrictions on language or publication year. Three independent reviewers conducted study selection and data extraction. Results Forty‐five studies were included (two cross‐sectional, thirteen cohort and thirty case‐control). A posteriori patterns rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, lean meat, dairy products and unsaturated fats were significantly associated with reduced TC risk, whereas starchy foods, seafood, seaweed, processed meats, instant foods, fast food and Western patterns increased risk. A priori patterns with higher inflammatory potential were also positively associated with TC risk. Most studies demonstrated good methodological quality, according to NOS assessment. Conclusion This systematic review suggests that dietary patterns may be associated with TC risk. Although healthier dietary patterns tended to be associated with a lower risk and pro‐inflammatory or Western‐style dietary patterns with a higher risk, the current evidence remains observational and heterogeneous. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the biological mechanisms underlying these associations.

Combined Occupational Exposure to Lead and Other Metals and Risk of Lung Cancer

Background: The evidence linking occupational exposure to lead and cancer in humans is suggestive. Existing studies examine individual exposure to lead, ignoring the potential joint effects of mixed metal exposure. Methods: We analyzed the data of a case-control study of lung cancer conducted in seven European countries and comprising 2,861 cases and 2,936 controls, with a detailed assessment of occupational exposure to arsenic, cadmium, chromium (VI), and lead, to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of lung cancer for combined exposure to lead and these other carcinogenic metals, after adjustment for potential confounders. Results: The results suggested a synergism between lead and arsenic or cadmium: ORs were around 1.0 for lead alone and above 2.0 for combined exposure. No interaction was suggested between lead and chromium (VI). Conclusion: Our results provide suggestive evidence of a possible interaction between occupational exposure to lead, arsenic, or cadmium and lung cancer risk, and highlight the importance of considering mixed metal exposures in occupational epidemiology.

Occupational benzene exposure and risk of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The increased risk after adjustment for smoking and the suggestion of a dose-response, are consistent with the hypothesis of an association between benzene exposure and lung cancer risk.

Biomarkers and detection techniques for genotoxic damage in workers exposed to benzene, toluene, and xylene: a narrative review

Pesticide Exposure and Gynecological Cancers: A Review of Epidemiological Evidence and Mechanistic Pathways

Environmental exposure to pesticides is considered a risk factor for gynecological cancers, contributing to their onset and progression through various mechanisms. This narrative review investigates the role of different pesticides in the development and progression of ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, and provides a comprehensive synthesis of epidemiological findings along with molecular mechanisms, highlighting carcinogenic pathways, conflicting findings, and potential therapeutic implications. Relevant epidemiological and experimental studies published between 2000 and 2025 were identified through searches of major scientific databases. Various pesticides, particularly organochlorines, contribute to gynecological cancers through mechanisms such as estrogen mimicry, DNA damage, oxidative stress, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, and disruption of cellular signaling pathways. However, most studies found no significant association between certain pesticides, such as Triazines and Atrazine, and gynecological cancers. Furthermore, some pesticides, like Carbendazim, exhibit a dual role; while carcinogenic, they can also serve therapeutic purposes in cancer treatment when utilized with nanotechnology. Overall, pesticide exposure is a significant factor in the development and progression of women’s cancers, although the strength of the evidence varies across pesticide classes. Despite numerous studies, contradictory findings necessitate further research to clarify causal relationships.