There must be several contaminated villages in China. I would say that in more developed or more populated countries, the contamination rates due to agricultural practices are higher, since they require very high production levels to satisfy the needs of their population, without adding what is exported. The fastest and "safest" way to achieve this is by using chemical products to fight pests, diseases, improve yields, etc.
Because of all this, soil and water contamination rates will be very high, hence cancer and other health complications.
over 400 stats was years ago and I don't expect they have done much to reduce so yeah, for the same reasons you describe, and a whole lot of 'good enough' mentality for the tiny pay check people are being given to provide health & safety