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A recent study by the Penn State Cancer Institute has identified a skin cancer cluster in South Central Pennsylvania, where adults over 50 are 57% more likely to develop melanoma compared to other regions in the state. The study, which analyzed data from 2017 to 2021, found that counties with more cultivated cropland and higher herbicide use had significantly higher melanoma rates. This includes counties such as Dauphin, York, Franklin, Cumberland, and Adams.
According to Penn State researchers, for every 10% increase in cultivated land, melanoma incidence rose by 14%, while a 9% increase in herbicide-treated acreage corresponded to a 13% rise in cases. The findings suggest that the risk extends beyond agricultural workers, affecting entire communities near farmland.
Charlene Lam, an associate professor of dermatology at Penn State Health, emphasized that agricultural environments might contribute to melanoma risk, even for those who have never worked in fields. The study's senior author, Eugene Lengerich, noted that pesticides and herbicides could increase photosensitivity or cause oxidative stress, potentially leading to melanoma development.
The study, published in the journal JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics, calls for a 'One Health' approach to address the environmental and occupational risks associated with agricultural practices. The researchers encourage regular skin checks and the use of sun-protective measures for those living near farmland.
The study's implications extend beyond Pennsylvania, as similar patterns have been observed in agricultural regions worldwide. Further research is planned to better understand the relationship between farming practices and public health.