PFAS Cancer Types [2024 Guide] | What Types of Cancer Are Linked to PFAS Exposure?

Understanding PFAS Chemicals

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil.

These properties make them suitable for non-stick cookware, food packaging materials, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams (AFFF).

PFAS chemicals do not break down easily and can persist in the environment and the human body for extended periods.

Despite extensive research, there is still much to learn about PFAS and their potential human health effects.

Current studies link PFAS exposure to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system dysfunction.

The widespread use of PFAS has led to their detection in water supplies, soil, and even in the blood of most Americans.

According to the University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Public Health, more than 95% of Americans have PFAS in their blood and tissue.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its partners are working hard to better understand the full extent of PFAS, including human and environmental risk factors, management and disposal, and how to best protect people from exposure.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also actively conducting tests and expanding lab capacity to estimate PFAS in the general food supply accurately.

How PFAS Enter the Environment

PFAS chemicals enter the environment through several pathways.

Once released, PFAS can persist for decades, gradually accumulating in the soil, water, and even in the tissues of living organisms.

Environmental exposure to PFAS can have significant health impacts, as these chemicals are absorbed into the body and can disrupt biological processes over time.

Communities near contaminated sites often experience higher rates of health issues linked to PFAS exposure, including various cancers, immune system problems, and developmental delays.

The persistence of PFAS in the environment makes them particularly challenging to manage, leading to widespread contamination that affects both human health and ecosystems.

Common sources of PFAS and pathways of exposure include:

• Industrial Applications: Manufacturing facilities that produce or use PFAS can release these chemicals into the air, water, and soil. These releases can contaminate nearby communities and water sources.
• Landfills: PFAS-containing products disposed of in landfills can leak into the soil and groundwater, contaminating surrounding areas.
• Firefighting Foams (AFFF): Used extensively by military bases and airports, AFFF is a leading source of PFAS contamination in local water supplies.
• Household Products: Everyday items treated with PFAS can shed these chemicals into the environment through regular use and disposal. These products include non-stick cookware, food packaging, and stain-resistant carpeting.

Understanding how PFAS can enter our environment is crucial in mitigating exposure and protecting public health.

The Prevalence of PFAS Contamination in the United States

PFAS contamination is widespread across the United States, affecting both public and private water supplies.

A 2023 study by the U.S. Geological Survey estimated that at least 45% of the nation’s tap water contains one or more types of PFAS, indicating that millions of Americans are potentially exposed to these chemicals daily.

This contamination is particularly prevalent in urban areas, with regions like the Eastern Seaboard, Great Plains, and Southern California showing higher concentrations of PFAS in water sources.

West Virginia University researchers found that even groundwater, which was once thought to be safer due to natural filtration processes, is significantly contaminated due to the persistence of PFAS chemicals in the environment.

The prevalence of PFAS contamination in the United States is largely driven by several key sources, including industrial discharges, landfill runoff, and the use of AFFF firefighting foam at military bases and airports.

In response to this growing issue, the EPA has introduced stricter regulations on PFAS levels in drinking water, setting new limits for substances like PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion.

These regulations are part of a broader effort to mitigate PFAS exposure and protect public health, but the challenge of remediating existing contamination remains significant​.

Military Bases and Significant Contamination Sites

Military bases and installations are often hotspots for PFAS contamination.

The use of AFFF in firefighting training and emergency response has led to elevated PFAS levels in nearby groundwater and soil.

These sites contribute to widespread environmental contamination, affecting surrounding communities.

A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) identified more than 700 military sites across the United States with known or suspected PFAS contamination, with over 600 of these sites having confirmed contamination in drinking water or groundwater.

Military sites contribute to widespread environmental contamination, affecting surrounding communities and leading to heightened health risks, including cancer and immune system disorders.

Contaminated Water Sources

One of the most concerning aspects of PFAS contamination is its prevalence in drinking water supplies.

Authorities have detected PFAS levels in public water systems and private wells across the United States.

On April 2024, the EPA finally set legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for specific PFAS in drinking water.

Levels include:

• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid): 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt)
• PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid): 4.0 ppt
• PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid): 10 ppt
• PFNA (Perfluorononanoic Acid): 10 ppt
• HFPO-DA (Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid): 10 ppt
• Mixtures containing two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonic Acid): 1 (unitless) Hazard Index

Types of Cancer Linked to PFAS Exposure

PFAS and cancer have been linked in various studies and investigations.

Research has shown that these chemicals can disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to the development of malignant tumors.

Exposure to PFAS, especially at high levels over extended periods, has been associated with an increased risk of developing various cancers.

The long-term persistence of PFAS in the human body means that even low levels of exposure can accumulate over time, compounding the risk.

In areas with significant PFAS contamination, such as near military bases and industrial sites, epidemiological studies have observed higher incidences of certain cancers compared to the general population

Common types of cancer associated with PFAS exposure includes:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Liver cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Ovarian and uterine cancer
• Blood cancers

Kidney Cancer

Several studies have identified a link between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of kidney cancer.

A 2020 study from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) revealed that participants with the most significant concentrations of PFOA in their blood were twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to those with the most minor concentrations.

PFAS may induce kidney cancer through various mechanisms, including oxidative stress, disruption of cellular processes, and interference with hormone regulation.

These mechanisms can lead to cellular damage and increased cancer risk.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is another type of cancer linked to PFAS exposure.

Both animal and human studies have shown that PFAS can disrupt normal testicular function and potentially lead to hormone-related cancers.

The exact biological pathways through which PFAS induces testicular cancer are not fully understood, but it is believed that endocrine disruption plays a significant role.

PFAS can interfere with hormone function, leading to abnormal cell growth and cancer development.

Research on laboratory animals has demonstrated that PFAS exposure can cause testicular tumors, providing a basis for further investigation in humans.

The Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) studied the link between PFAS exposure and testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) growth and found that PFAS chemicals, particularly PFOS and HQ-115 (lithium bis-trifluoromethanesulfonimide), boost tumor growth in mice.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is another type of cancer associated with PFAS exposure.

Several studies have suggested that PFAS can cause liver toxicity and increase the risk of liver cancer.

PFAS are known to accumulate in the liver, where they can cause significant damage.

PFAS can disrupt normal liver function, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually cancer.

Human and animal studies found that PFAS chemicals, particularly PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA, increased aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the body.

High levels of ALT are an indication of liver damage and can increase the risk of liver cancer.

A 2022 animal study showed that PFAS can alter amino acid, hepatic lipid, and glucose metabolism.

This change can lead to an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Thyroid Cancer

PFAS can affect the thyroid gland and disrupt hormone function, production, and regulation, leading to hormonal imbalances and an increased risk of thyroid cancer.

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production) and hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormones) have been observed in individuals with PFAS exposure.

Patients with elevated estimated PFOA serum levels are also more likely to develop thyroid disease.

A 2020 Toxics study examined the link between thyroid cancer and endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDC), including PFAS chemicals. EDCs can disrupt the thyroid gland’s hormone physiology and create a suitable environment for cancerous growth.

They also cause immunosuppression, oxidative damage, cellular pathway disruption, and other carcinogenic effects.

Prostate Cancer

Studies have shown that PFAS can disrupt normal prostate function and potentially lead to prostate cancer.

PFAS may aggravate the prostate gland through mechanisms such as endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

These mechanisms can lead to cellular damage and an increased risk of cancer.

PFAS are a primary ingredient in firefighting foams (AFFF), commonly used in military, airport, and industrial settings.

As men in these professions are often more exposed to PFAS, they are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

A 2021 Nutrients study found that PFAS chemicals provoke changes in the metabolic activity of prostate cells.

These changes lead to epigenomic reprogramming and altered signaling, which progress tumorigenic risk and tumor aggressiveness.

Breast Cancer

PFAS can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances that can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Studies have shown that PFAS can mimic estrogen, a hormone that plays a critical role in the development of breast cancer.

A 2022 Toxics study found that PFAS chemicals — particularly PFOA and PFHxS — were positively correlated to an increased risk of breast cancer.

PFAS can also disrupt the regulation of estrogen receptors in breast tissue, leading to abnormal cell growth and potential cancer development.

The results of epidemiological studies on the association between PFAS exposure and breast cancer are diverse and inconclusive.

While more studies are needed to establish a definitive link, the current evidence suggests that PFAS may play a role in breast cancer development through endocrine disruption, developmental toxicity, and other mechanisms.

Pancreatic Cancer

Current research on PFAS and pancreatic cancer is limited, but some studies suggest that PFAS can cause pancreatic toxicity and potentially lead to cancer.

The biological mechanisms through which PFAS may induce pancreatic cancer are not well understood, but it is believed that oxidative stress and inflammation play significant roles.

These mechanisms can lead to cellular damage and an increased risk of cancer.

A study in Carcinogenesis: Integrative Cancer Research reported a positive correlation between PFOA exposure and the progression of pancreatic cancer.

PFOA triggers oxidative stress and focal ductal hyperplasia in the pancreas, increasing the risk of tumor initiation and growth.

PFOA exposure also increased in the pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) area, a precursor lesion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Bladder Cancer

Studies have shown that PFAS can accumulate in the bladder, potentially leading to cancer development.

PFAS can induce bladder cancer through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of normal cellular processes.

A 2022 study in the Environmental Health Insights journal studied PFAS exposure in Merrimack, New Hampshire, a community near a plastic coating industrial source that has contaminated no less than 65 square miles of drinking water.

Results show that Merrimack residents are prone to a 45% increased risk for bladder cancer when compared to the national average.

A study of the PFOA and PFOS concentrations in the surface water and atmosphere in Japan has also revealed a strong connection between PFAS and bladder cancer.

The findings showed that workers exposed to PFOS have an increased bladder cancer mortality.

Ovarian and Uterine Cancers

There is limited research on the link between PFAS and ovarian or uterine cancers, but some studies have suggested a potential association.

PFAS may interfere with estrogen levels and disrupt normal hormonal function in these organs, leading to an increased risk of these types of cancer.

A Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology study reviewed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

It focused on the associations between seven PFAS chemicals, 12 phenols and parabens, and previous cancer diagnoses of different types.

Prior ovarian cancer diagnoses were significantly correlated with higher DCP25 (2,5-dichlorophenol) and BP3 (benzophenone-3).

PFNA was connected to previous uterine cancer diagnoses.

Various PFAS chemicals were also linked with previous ovarian and uterine cancers in white women.

Women with higher exposure to PFDE (perfluorodecanoic acid) are twice as likely to have a prior melanoma diagnosis, while women with higher exposure to PFNA and PFUA (perfluoroundecanoic acid) have almost double the odds of a previous melanoma diagnosis.

These findings highlight PFAS exposure and its association with a prior cancer diagnosis and the development of ovarian and uterine cancers.

More research is needed to establish a definitive link.

Blood Cancers

Some studies have shown that PFAS exposure may increase the risk of developing blood cancer.

PFAS chemicals can interfere with immune system function and increase inflammation, which are both potential risk factors for blood cancers.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

PFAS can disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system, leading to an increased risk of abnormal cell growth and cancer development.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of blood cancer that affects the immune system, and some studies have suggested a link between PFAS exposure and NHL.

Two separate studies found a potential association between PFOA exposure and NHL, one in The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial and another in Environmental Research.

The studies found that higher levels of PFOA in the blood were significantly correlated with an increased risk of NHL.

Multiple Myeloma

PFAS can disturb normal cellular processes, increasing the risk of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Studies have shown a potential link between PFAS exposure and multiple myeloma.

One study showed negative associations between various PFAS chemicals and multiple myeloma in men and women.

The trends in the results were not monotonic, suggesting that the relationship is complex and requires further research.

Leukemia

PFAS can interrupt normal hematological function, potentially leading to an increased risk of leukemia.

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells.

A study in Finland found an association between PFAS exposure during pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Prenatal exposure to PFAS, particularly N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid, was significantly correlated with a higher risk of childhood ALL.

PFAS Lawsuits Filed Against Chemical Manufacturers

The growing body of evidence linking PFAS exposure to various cancers has led to numerous lawsuits against manufacturers.

PFAS Lawsuits seek to hold companies accountable for the health risks associated with PFAS contamination.

Affected communities and individuals have taken legal action to seek compensation for the health effects of PFAS exposure.

These actions include class-action lawsuits, personal injury claims, and environmental lawsuits aimed at addressing the widespread contamination caused by PFAS.

Regulatory bodies and government agencies have also taken steps to address the issue of PFAS contamination.

There have been several notable legal victories and settlements in PFAS litigation.

DuPont and Chemours reached a settlement agreement to pay $671 million to resolve thousands of personal injury claims arising from the leak of perfluorooctanoic acid, which is also known as PFOA or C-8, from its plant in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

These settlements highlight the importance of holding companies accountable for the health risks associated with PFAS.

How TorHoerman Law Can Help

Legal representation is crucial for individuals affected by PFAS exposure.

An experienced attorney can help navigate the complex legal landscape, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for health-related damages.

At TorHoerman Law, we specialize in PFAS litigation to help victims and their families obtain justice and compensation for the harm caused by PFAS exposure.

Our legal team has extensive experience handling complex environmental cases involving PFAS contamination.

TorHoerman Law: Seek Legal Assistance Now

Understanding the health risks associated with PFAS exposure — particularly the increased risk of various cancers — is crucial for protecting public health.

PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals that can cause significant harm, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, and certain blood cancers.

If you believe you have been affected by PFAS exposure, our expert lawyers at TorHoerman Law can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Contact us now for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the PFAS Lawsuit instantly.