What Is the Link Between PFAS and Cancer?

What are PFAS and where are they found?

PFAS refers to a family of thousands of synthetic substances known for their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. These bonds make PFAS resistant to water, heat, and oils, which is why industries use them in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams.

According to the EPA, PFAS have been manufactured and used in the United States since the 1940s. Many producers emphasize their practical benefits, but the same chemical properties that make them useful also make them environmentally persistent. They do not break down easily, so PFAS often accumulate in water sources, soils, and even in our bloodstreams over time.

PFAS contamination is commonly reported at industrial facilities and sites where firefighting foam was used, such as airports or military bases. Studies show that drinking water can be a major route of PFAS exposure, which is why monitoring these chemicals in public water systems has gained urgency. You can explore ongoing surveillance through tools like a PFAS contamination map to see whether any documented contamination sites exist in your area.

PFAS also cross into consumer products beyond cookware, from certain personal-care items to food wrappers. Ongoing analyses highlight that some varieties, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are found more frequently in human blood. As research evolves, it suggests that PFAS may remain detectable for decades in the environment and for years in the human body.

How do PFAS enter the body?

Our bodies can absorb PFAS through multiple pathways. Drinking water is a chief source if the local water supply is contaminated, as many PFAS dissolve and remain stable in water. Firefighting foam runoff, industrial discharge, and landfills are all associated with PFAS release into groundwater.

Another common route is food packaging, such as wrappers or containers treated for grease resistance. When people heat or store food in these materials, PFAS may leach into meals. Other products, including stain-resistant carpets or water-repellent clothing, can also shed PFAS into house dust, which people may inhale or ingest.

Children have additional vulnerabilities. Some studies referenced by the EPA and other researchers indicate that infants can be exposed to these chemicals via breast milk or formula prepared with water containing PFAS. Over time, PFAS can accumulate in children at equal or potentially higher levels relative to adults.

Individuals concerned about water contamination occasionally use filtration systems to reduce exposure. Different filters vary in effectiveness, though. For instance, carbon-based filters may remove some PFAS, but results are mixed. For more details on filtration, you can visit How to remove PFAS from water or learn about specific solutions like a PFAS water filter. Determining how and where these chemicals enter our bodies is key to understanding potential health impacts, including their link to various cancers.

What makes PFAS potentially cancer-causing?

Scientists have long recognized that PFAS can accumulate in human tissues, raising the possibility of toxic effects over time. According to several peer-reviewed studies, potential cancer risk arises from how PFAS influence cellular processes and pathways:

• Endocrine disruption: Some PFAS appear to interfere with hormone signaling, potentially affecting cells that manage growth and metabolic regulation.

• Oxidative stress: Animal research shows certain PFAS can trigger the production of reactive oxygen species, which might damage DNA and promote tumor formation.

• Immune system changes: Laboratory data suggest that PFAS may weaken or alter immune responses, potentially reducing the body’s ability to destroy cancerous cells in early stages.

Scientists focus on these mechanisms to explain why high or prolonged PFAS exposure could raise cancer risk. The strongest evidence so far connects PFAS with liver, thyroid, and kidney toxicity, but ongoing research examines other organs too.

One nested case-control study in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial found that increasing exposure to PFOA correlated with an elevated risk of renal cell carcinoma. Similarly, multiple studies have looked at testicular, breast, and other cancers in relation to PFAS blood levels. Although these findings are not universally consistent across all populations, they highlight the importance of continued monitoring.

“EPA is committed to providing meaningful, understandable, and actionable information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” the agency said in a 2024 statement, adding that new guidelines aim to help states set protective standards. This statement underscores why PFAS are now a major regulatory concern.

What types of cancer have been linked to PFAS?

These types of cancer are linked to PFAS:

Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer has become one of the more prominently researched conditions related to PFAS exposure. Epidemiological data, including the PLCO study, indicate that higher levels of certain PFAS in blood may relate to increased renal cell carcinoma risks. The IARC specifically cites evidence linking PFOA to kidney tumors in people and animals.

When PFAS accumulate in kidney tissue, scientists hypothesize they might promote cellular mutations or impair normal cell regulation. If you want more information on kidney-specific findings, visit PFAS and kidney cancer. Although not every individual with elevated PFAS ends up with kidney cancer, the association raises enough concern that federal and state agencies continue to set stricter water standards.

Testicular cancer

PFAS exposure has repeatedly appeared in studies of testicular cancer, especially among Air Force servicemen exposed to firefighting foams. According to one analysis, higher levels of PFOS correlated with a greater risk of this cancer. Researchers suggest that PFAS may disrupt hormone balance or cell division in the testicular region.

The development of testicular tumors often involves many factors, including genetics or lifestyle. However, the PFAS linkage has been recurring enough to motivate further investigation. For details on ongoing testicular cancer research, see PFAS testicular cancer.

Liver cancer

The liver metabolizes many foreign compounds, which makes it a prime site for potential injury from environmental chemicals. In animal studies, PFOA and PFOS have caused liver toxicity and other tissue damage. Some observational human data, though more limited, point toward a possible correlation between elevated PFAS levels and liver abnormalities or tumors.

Mechanistically, the liver is responsible for detoxification and protein synthesis. PFAS could contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and fatty liver disease, which in turn might lead to a higher risk of liver cancer. Ongoing trials continue to explore these connections.

Thyroid cancer

PFAS may interfere with thyroid hormone regulation. Research in diverse populations has uncovered potential links between PFAS blood concentrations and thyroid dysfunction, which can disrupt metabolic controls. In some observational studies, individuals with higher exposures had a greater likelihood of thyroid tumors, though the scale of evidence is still being expanded.

The IARC lists PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans, partly because of thyroid-related findings in animal experiments and evolving data in human populations. You can discover more on this topic at PFAS thyroid cancer.

Pancreatic cancer (emerging evidence)

Pancreatic cancer is less studied in PFAS research, but emerging data hints at possible associations. The pancreas regulates blood sugar and digestive enzyme production, processes that can be sensitive to endocrine disruptors. While large-scale studies on PFAS and pancreatic cancer remain scarce, early analyses suggest that these chemicals might influence metabolic pathways involved in pancreatic tumor development.

Because this is the least established link, ongoing research will help determine whether pancreatic cancer risk meaningfully increases following PFAS exposure. Until then, scientists generally urge caution, emphasizing that PFAS studies should continue to cover multiple cancer endpoints.

What do government and scientific agencies say?

The EPA identifies PFAS as pollutants of emerging concern and collaborates with states to set MCLs for certain PFAS in drinking water. As of April 2024, the agency finalized MCLs for six PFAS, recognizing the risk that chronic exposure may pose to human health, including potential cancer outcomes. American state-level agencies, such as Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services, have also issued health advisories for multiple PFAS as part of broader cautionary policies.

Meanwhile, the CDC highlights ongoing investigations into how PFAS might affect vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children. Scientists at the CDC point out that more studies are required to measure PFAS’s long-term health impact fully, but they encourage preventive measures such as testing water supplies, reducing consumer product exposure, and monitoring blood levels when warranted.

IARC classification

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) upgraded PFOA to a human carcinogen (Group 1) in 2023, citing sufficient animal data and strong evidence from human epidemiological studies. PFOS was classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). These updated classifications reflect growing consensus that high or prolonged PFAS exposure may drive tumor formation in certain organs.

IARC’s determination is considered a key reference for countries and organizations deciding how to regulate chemical substances. Individuals concerned about IARC findings often look for regulation updates or healthcare guidelines that implement these designations.

Peer-reviewed studies

A broad array of peer-reviewed studies has contributed to the growing evidence base on PFAS and cancer. Key findings include:

• Consistent associations between PFOA and kidney or testicular tumors.

• Suggestive links between PFOS and breast tumors, particularly hormone receptor-positive subtypes.

• Possible correlations with thyroid and other cancers under investigation.

Some results show variability across different populations, countries, or exposure levels. Researchers emphasize that genetic factors, co-occurring exposures, and lifestyle choices can confound outcomes. Nonetheless, many studies converge on the recommendation that reducing PFAS exposure is prudent, especially for those in high-risk groups.

Are certain PFAS more dangerous than others?

PFAS represent a large class of chemicals, each with slightly different properties. Historically, PFOA and PFOS were produced and used heavily, making them the focus of most cancer studies. Since manufacturers began phasing these out, newer alternatives (often called “short-chain” PFAS) have entered the market. Scientists are investigating whether these short-chain versions pose similar risks.

Early data indicate shorter-chain PFAS also persist in the environment and can accumulate in our bodies, though possibly at lower levels. Health agencies underscore that the hazard often depends on chemical structure, concentration, and exposure duration. You can learn more about potential liabilities tied to different PFAS in our article on PFAS liability, which discusses how certain chemicals have become focal points of litigation and regulatory enforcement.

How much exposure increases cancer risk?

Pinpointing an exact “safe” level of PFAS exposure is difficult. Different agencies set different limits, and risk estimates vary due to factors like age, health status, and duration of contact. The EPA’s newest MCLs for some PFAS in drinking water are extremely strict, reflecting the agency’s caution about even low exposures over many years.

Individual susceptibility also matters. Someone already prone to certain diseases, or someone with compromised immune function, may be more vulnerable. As research stands, the general scientific consensus is that higher blood levels of PFAS correlate with a greater likelihood of adverse health outcomes, including some cancers. However, precise thresholds remain a subject of intensive study.

Analyses from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) display “suggestive evidence” for associations between PFAS and breast or testicular cancer, indicating that risk could vary with factors like lifestyle, genetics, or combined chemical exposures. Because PFAS accumulate cumulatively, small exposures can add up, making long-term vigilance critical.

Can you test for PFAS exposure in your body?

Yes. Several laboratories offer blood tests to detect specific PFAS compounds, particularly PFOA and PFOS. These tests indicate the amounts of PFAS in your system but cannot diagnose cancer. Blood levels can sometimes help a physician assess whether further health evaluations are warranted.

For environmental testing, private or municipal water authorities can measure PFAS concentrations in local drinking water, wells, or soil. Many homeowners also consider point-of-use or whole-house filtration systems. For more guidance, see PFAS in drinking water, or consider contacting a PFAS testing lab if you need specialized analyses. Because children and pregnant women may be more susceptible, testing can help families make informed decisions about mitigating exposure.

What should you do if you have cancer and suspect PFAS exposure?

A cancer diagnosis is daunting. When paired with known or suspected PFAS contact, it raises critical considerations about medical management, legal recourse, and proactive family health measures. Currently, there is no definitive test to prove that PFAS alone caused a particular cancer. However, if you feel your exposure has been substantial (for example, through contaminated drinking water or occupational environments), these steps could help:

1. Consult with specialists: Oncologists familiar with environmental carcinogens might offer specific screening or treatment strategies.

2. Document exposure: Keep records of where you worked or lived, especially if these locations have known PFAS contamination (e.g., near factories, airports, or military bases).

3. Test your water: If not already done, check for PFAS in your local water supply. Home testing kits or professional labs can clarify exposure levels.

4. Explore legal options: Individuals who believe PFAS contributed to their cancer may consider legal claims. Our team can guide you toward experienced attorneys who handle PFAS cases. You can learn more at PFAS Lawsuit.

Taking these steps can help clarify the extent of your exposure and potential connections to your illness. While these actions do not guarantee specific legal outcomes, they can set a foundation to explore whether compensation or settlements may be warranted.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is there a definitive link between PFAS and cancer?

Many studies show correlations between prolonged PFAS exposure and certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer. However, proving a direct, individual cause-and-effect relationship remains complex, and ongoing research continues to refine our understanding.

Are newer PFAS replacements safer?

Short-chain PFAS replacements may persist in the environment similarly to their longer-chain counterparts. While they might accumulate less in the body, available tests still raise concerns about their toxicity. Regulatory bodies continue investigating these chemical alternatives.

How do I reduce my exposure to PFAS?

You can filter your water, avoid certain nonstick cookware, and check product labels for fluorinated chemicals. If you live near a known contamination site, routine testing of drinking water or using a certified filter system can help.

Do all people have PFAS in their blood?

According to federal health surveys, most people in the United States carry low levels of PFAS. The primary issue arises when these levels become elevated over time. Monitoring can be beneficial if you suspect significant contact.

Can I get my water tested by a government agency?

Many local health departments or water utilities offer PFAS testing services, or they can refer you to qualified labs. If you have concerns about your home’s water, contact your municipal water authority or a PFAS testing lab.

If I have been exposed to PFAS and develop cancer, what are my legal options?

Potential legal avenues include lawsuits against manufacturers or other responsible parties. To explore whether you qualify for a claim, review resources at PFAS Lawsuit or speak with a lawyer specializing in environmental toxicology.

Should I stop breastfeeding if I have PFAS in my body?

It is best to seek medical advice from pediatricians or specialists. While PFAS can pass through breast milk, breastfeeding also has significant health benefits for infants. A balanced approach with professional guidance can help decide the safest path.

Does boiling water remove PFAS?

No. PFAS are typically heat-stable chemicals that do not degrade easily with boiling. Specialized filtration methods, like certain forms of activated carbon or reverse osmosis, may be more effective for reducing PFAS in water.