THE IMPACT OF PESTICIDES ON CANCER INCIDENCE AMONG CHILDREN IN UZBEKISTAN: A SURVEY STUDY

Abstract Introduction: The spread of malignant diseases is a serious problem in Uzbekistan. Recent data suggest a possible link between pesticide exposure and an increase in cancer rates.Pesticides are used in the cultivation of a wide range of agricultural crops. In Uzbekistan, 249 different plant protection products are permitted. They contain various active ingredients, 59 of which are recognized as highly hazardous pesticides. Research objective: To study the effect of pesticides on the development of malignant neoplasms in children. Results: The survey shows that a significant number of patients (63 out of 93) live near agricultural fields, indicating a potential risk of pesticide exposure to health.Approximately 30% of respondents reported the use of pesticides in nearby fields. This may be an important environmental factor influencing the development of malignant neoplasms in children. Patients were diagnosed with 28 different types of cancer. Leukemia and brain cancer were the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer among the study participants, which is consistent with international studies that have established a link between pesticide exposure and these types of malignant neoplasms. Conclusions: The results of this survey indicate a probable correlation between pesticide exposure and cancer incidence in children in Uzbekistan, highlighting the need for stricter control of pesticide use and more comprehensive clinical and epidemiological studies to confirm these results.