People exposed to the herbicide picloram have a higher statistical likelihood of developing colorectal cancer before age 50 compared to those who develop it after age 70, based on patterns of DNA methylation observed in patient samples.

41

Pro

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Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

41

Community contributions welcome

41

Epigenetic fingerprints link early-onset colon and rectal cancer to pesticide exposure

Case-Control Study

Human

2026 May

Scientists found that people who were exposed to a common herbicide called picloram were more likely to get colon cancer before age 50 than those exposed later in life, based on biological markers in their cells. This suggests picloram might be one reason why younger people are getting this cancer more often.

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No contradicting evidence found

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Source Study

Epigenetic fingerprints link early-onset colon and rectal cancer to pesticide exposure

Score: 41

DOI: 10.1038/s41591-026-04342-5

Similar Assertions

People diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 show different DNA methylation patterns linked to picloram herbicide exposure compared to those diagnosed at age 70 or older, suggesting a possible environmental association with earlier disease onset.

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96%

Higher use of the herbicide picloram in a geographic area is linked to higher rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, based on molecular changes in tumor tissue and population data adjusted for other factors.

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86%

In U.S. counties where more picloram pesticide is used, there is a higher rate of colorectal cancer diagnosed in people under 50, even when accounting for income, education, and exposure to other pesticides.

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82%

People exposed to the herbicide picloram may show distinct patterns of DNA methylation in colorectal tumors that develop at an early age.

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82%

People exposed to picloram may develop colorectal cancer at a younger age, and this link is not simply because they are younger; it is tied to a specific biological pattern in the tumors called the SBS1 mutational signature.

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78%