Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology

Agrochemical use remains central to U.S. agricultural productivity, yet growing evidence raises concerns regarding its long-term implications for cancer risk among agricultural workers, rural communities, and other exposed populations. This narrative mini-review synthesizes epidemiological, toxicological, mechanistic, and regulatory literature identified through a targeted review of peer-reviewed studies focusing primarily on U.S. agricultural populations. Major exposure pathways, including occupational, environmental, dietary, and para-occupational routes, are examined alongside evidence linking specific agrochemical classes to hematologic and solid malignancies. Current evidence suggests potential associations between chronic agrochemical exposure and cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, prostate cancer, and certain hormone-related tumors, although findings vary by chemical class, exposure intensity, and study methodology. Mechanistic pathways, including genotoxicity, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and epigenetic alterations, provide biologically plausible explanations for carcinogenic potential. Regulatory limitations, particularly insufficient consideration of cumulative exposures and chemical mixtures, may contribute to the underestimation of long-term public health risks. Vulnerable U.S. populations, including migrant workers, children, and low-income rural communities, face disproportionate exposure burdens. While important uncertainties remain, this review highlights critical research gaps and underscores the need for more precise exposure assessment, stronger regulatory frameworks, and targeted preventive strategies to better protect U.S. agricultural populations.