Gene–environment interactions in heavy metal and pesticide carcinogenesis

•We have highlighted some well-known genes involved in carcinogenesis.•We have covered carcinogenesis because of certain environmental pollutants.•We have reported carcinogenesis in response to heavy metals and pesticides.•First time exposure of these pollutants has been reported in a single article. Cancer is a complex disease involving a sequence of gene–environment interactions. Lifestyle, genetics, dietary factors, and environmental pollutants can increase the risk of cancer. Gene–environment interactions have been studied by a candidate-gene approach focusing on metabolism, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Here, we review the influence of gene–environment interactions in carcinogenesis, with emphasis on heavy metal and pesticide exposures.