PFAS Colon Cancer
- Last updated: July 17, 2025
-
Contributor:
nicky
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it’s important to ask why. Growing research suggests that PFAS exposure may play a role. These toxic substances—often called forever chemicals—can build up in the human body over time and may lead to serious health problems. Found in water, food packaging, and everyday products, PFAS are now linked to cancer in multiple organs, including the colon. If you’ve been exposed and received a diagnosis, you may qualify for compensation. Get a free case review today to understand your legal options.
What Are PFAS and How Do They Affect the Body
PFAS are man-made chemicals used in many products we come into contact with each day. Often called forever chemicals, they remain in the environment and in the human body for a very long time. Over time this build-up may lead to serious health risks including colon and colorectal cancer.
Studies in environmental health sciences show that PFAS can affect cells in the colon. These changes may impact how cells grow heal or respond to damage. This raises concern about cancer development and progression in people with long-term PFAS exposure.
Where PFAS Are Found in Everyday Life
PFAS also known as per and polyfluoroalkyl substances are found in many household items. These include non-stick pans water-resistant fabrics food wrappers and firefighting foam. PFAS can also enter the environment near factories and wastewater treatment plants.
Because these synthetic chemicals do not break down easily they can end up in drinking water air and soil. That means almost everyone may have some level of PFAS in their body. People who live near industrial sites or use certain products often may have higher PFAS levels.
How PFAS Enters the Digestive System
PFAS can enter the body in different ways. One of the most common is through swallowing. This can happen when you drink contaminated water or eat food packaged with PFAS-coated materials.
Once inside the body PFAS compounds can pass through the lining of the gut and move to other organs. They may interact with fatty acids amino acids and signaling proteins. This can lead to harmful effects on colon health.
In some lab studies colon cell lines exposed to PFAS started to grow abnormally. These cells formed small clusters called spheroids. Scientists see this as a possible early sign of tumor growth. Other changes included disrupted wound healing and shifts in how the cells responded to stress.
Understanding Colon Cancer in the Context of PFAS Exposure
Colon cancer also called colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. While age and family history are known risk factors new research suggests that PFAS exposure may also play a role. Scientists are now exploring how these forever chemicals may be linked to cancer in the colon.
PFAS chemicals may harm colon health by disrupting how cells repair and grow. They may also increase inflammation or change how cells respond to damage. Over time this can raise the chance of cancer cells forming or spreading.
Signs and Symptoms You Should Watch For
Some common signs of colon cancer include
Blood in your stool
Ongoing stomach pain
Unexplained weight loss
Changes in your bowel habits
If you notice these symptoms and have had PFAS exposure through water work or food it is important to speak with your doctor. Catching the disease early can improve your outcome.
Could PFAS Trigger Cancer Cell Growth in the Colon
Yes. Some lab studies show that PFAS may help cancer grow in colon cells. In these tests colorectal cell lines exposed to PFAS showed faster growth and more aggressive behavior.
Researchers found signs of increased motility and changes linked to cancer metastasis. In certain tests cells with KRAS mutations responded strongly to PFAS exposure. These cells formed tight clusters and showed a higher risk of spreading.
This raises concern about how PFAS might lead to colorectal cancer. At least one PFAS compound has been listed as possibly carcinogenic by international cancer experts. More studies are underway but the link between PFAS and colon cancer continues to grow stronger.
People with long-term or frequent PFAS contact may face higher risk. That is why scientists and public health groups are calling for further investigation into these substances and their impact on human health.
Who Is Most at Risk for PFAS Related Colon Cancer
Not everyone is exposed to PFAS in the same way. Some people face higher risk because of where they work or live. Others may be exposed for many years without knowing it. Researchers are now studying how PFAS contamination affects different groups within the general population.
The risk may be even higher for people with other health conditions or family history of cancer. Long-term PFAS contact could lead to harmful effects, including colon cancer and other serious diseases.
Workers in High Exposure Jobs
People who work in certain industries often face the highest PFAS exposure. This includes firefighters, factory workers, and people at wastewater treatment plants. These jobs involve frequent contact with synthetic chemicals like PFAS through air, skin, or water.
Studies show that these workers may face increased risk for colon cancer, testicular cancer, and esophageal cancer. Some lab tests show that colon cell lines grew faster and formed abnormal shapes after PFOS exposure. These changes may be early signs of cancer development.
In some cases, cells formed tiny balls called spheroids. This behavior was linked to metastatic potential and abnormal patterns previously linked to aggressive cancer growth.
Communities with Contaminated Water
Some people are exposed simply by living near a PFAS-contaminated site. This often includes areas near factories, airports, or military bases where firefighting foam was used. Contaminated drinking water is a major concern in these communities.
Studies have found that PFAS can affect the expression of certain cell types in the colon. This may lead to metabolic changes, tissue damage, and increased cancer progression.
In some studies, exposure levels were linked to specific signal proteins that may control how cells grow or repair. People in these areas may not know they are at risk, but the long-term health outcomes can be serious.
Long Term Exposure Without Knowing It
One of the biggest problems with PFAS is that people may be exposed for years without any signs. These chemicals can penetrate membranes and stay in the body for a long time.
PFAS compounds have been found to affect small chain fatty acids and cell types that are important for healing. In some studies, even after separating half of a cell group, the remaining cells showed EMT related metastasis. This is a process where cancer cells become more mobile and harder to treat.
According to the National Institute, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid may remain active in cells for up to seven days. More research is needed, but the risks for the general population are becoming clear.
The Role of PFAS in Cancer Development
PFAS exposure may play a bigger role in cancer than we once thought. These chemicals do not just stay in the body. They may also interfere with how cells grow, heal, and protect themselves.
In the colon, PFAS may disrupt how epithelial cells function. These cells line the colon and normally act as a barrier. When this system breaks down, the risk of cancer increases.
Disrupting Hormones and Cell Repair
PFAS are known endocrine disruptors. This means they can interfere with hormone activity in the human body. Hormones help control cell growth and healing, especially in the digestive system.
Disrupting these systems may cause certain cell types to behave abnormally. Scientists have seen that PFAS can affect small chain fatty acids and shift specific signal proteins in colon cells. These changes may increase the chance of cancer over time.
Causing Inflammation and DNA Damage
Chronic inflammation is one way PFAS may increase cancer risk. In lab studies, PFAS exposure caused DNA damage in colon cells. This damage may lead to cancer progression or even spread to other areas.
Some cells exposed to PFAS showed signs of EMT related metastasis. This means the cells became more mobile and likely to spread. In tests on KRAS mutated lines, PFAS exposure increased the risk of aggressive growth patterns.
These findings show a possible link between PFAS and various cancers. Further research is needed to understand how much exposure is too much and what can be done to stop it.
What Makes PFAS So Hard to Eliminate
One of the biggest dangers of PFAS is how long they stay in the body. These chemicals do not break down easily. Once inside, they stay active for years.
PFAS are also hard to remove from the environment. They have been found in drinking water, soil, and even in the blood of people across the general population.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, at least one PFAS compound is possibly carcinogenic. The public health risk is serious, and scientists are calling for more research and stronger regulations.
Can You Take Legal Action If You Have Colon Cancer from PFAS
If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer and had PFAS exposure, you may have legal options. PFAS, also known as poly fluoroalkyl substances, have been linked to cancer in multiple studies. These toxic chemicals can stay in the body for years and may cause damage to cell types expressed in the colon.
Many people were exposed without knowing it. If you lived near a contaminated site or worked in a high-risk job, you may be eligible to file a claim. Legal action can help cover medical bills, lost income, and more.
Who Qualifies to File a PFAS and Colon Cancer Lawsuit
You may qualify if you have been diagnosed with colon cancer and were exposed to PFAS through drinking water, workplace exposure, or contaminated products. People living near military bases, industrial plants, or airports often face higher risk.
Those working in jobs with frequent PFAS contact, like firefighting or chemical handling, may also qualify. Exposure to PFAS can lead to changes in colon cells, and some studies suggest links to metastatic cell growth and cancer development.
An associate professor involved in one future study explained how certain exposure patterns in high-risk communities matched cancer diagnoses in those areas. These findings continue to support ongoing lawsuits.
What Kind of Evidence Is Needed
To support your claim, you may need the following:
Medical records showing your colon cancer diagnosis
Proof of PFAS exposure, such as your work history or home location
Lab results or water quality reports from your area
Additional health conditions, like kidney cancer or organ fibrosis, that may be related
Some legal teams may use data from stratified analyses or systematic reviews to help prove your case. These tools show how PFAS exposure may increase cancer risk in certain groups, even when potential confounders are present.
What Compensation Might Cover
Filing a lawsuit may help you recover the costs of
Cancer treatment and medications
Ongoing medical care
Lost wages or reduced work ability
Pain and suffering
Travel for care or specialized services
Compensation may also help raise awareness and support future studies on PFAS and cancer. Many experts believe these substances PFAS will remain a threat to public health without legal pressure and stronger regulations.
How to Lower Your Risk Moving Forward
Even if you already had some exposure to PFAS, there are still steps you can take. Lowering your risk now can help protect your health in the future. It may also improve your body’s ability to manage illness or recover from treatment.
Here are a few ways to reduce PFAS contact in daily life
Use a certified water filter that removes PFAS
Avoid non-stick pans or stain-resistant fabrics
Check product labels for ingredients linked to PFAS
Stay updated on local water reports and safety alerts
Taking action may not remove PFAS already in your body, but it can limit new exposure. That matters, especially for people who already face health risks from cancer or other long-term conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS and Colon Cancer
Can PFAS really cause colon cancer
Research is still ongoing, but studies have found possible links between PFAS exposure and colon cancer. PFAS may damage cells in the colon, trigger inflammation, and disrupt how the body repairs tissue. These changes may increase cancer risk over time.
How do I know if I was exposed to PFAS
If you lived near a military base, industrial site, or area with known water contamination, you may have been exposed. Jobs like firefighting, chemical manufacturing, and waste treatment also come with higher risk. You can ask your local health department or check water quality reports for more information.
Are other cancers linked to PFAS exposure
Yes. In addition to colon cancer, PFAS exposure has been linked to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, and more. These connections are being studied in both human and lab-based research. The long-term effects of PFAS on the human body are a growing public health concern.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer I should watch for
Common signs include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, stomach pain, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can also be caused by other health issues, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any of them—especially if you had PFAS exposure.
Can I take legal action if I have colon cancer from PFAS
Yes. If you were diagnosed with colon cancer and had PFAS exposure, you may qualify to file a legal claim. A free case review can help determine if your cancer may be linked to contaminated water, workplace exposure, or other sources of PFAS.
Related Article
What Philips CPAP Machines Are Recalled and Why
