New research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that two “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS, are associated with a higher risk of aggressive breast cancer. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found that women with higher blood levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) were more likely to develop estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative) breast cancer.
Background And History Of PFAS
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that break down extremely slowly and can build up in the environment and the human body. They have been used in nonstick cookware, upholstery, clothing, food packaging, and personal care items. The use of PFAS has been widespread, and their presence in everyday products has raised concerns about their impact on human health.
Exposure Limits And Risks
The study found that women with higher blood levels of PFOA and PFOS were more likely to develop ER-negative breast cancer, which tends to be more aggressive and have worse outcomes compared to other breast cancers. The highest PFOA exposure group had a 67% higher rate of ER-negative breast cancer, while the highest PFOS group had a 93% higher rate. However, the limits differ between countries, and the EU has lowered its binding limits, while the UK has not followed.
What The Numbers Mean
The study analyzed blood samples from 1,609 women who later developed breast cancer and a comparison sample of 2,269 women. The researchers found that the highest PFOA exposure group had a significantly higher rate of ER-negative breast cancer. The study’s findings suggest that exposure to PFAS may increase the risk of aggressive breast cancer, but more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between PFAS exposure and breast cancer risk.
Practical Advice And Regulatory Context
The study’s findings highlight the importance of understanding the risks associated with common chemical exposure. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that the evidence is insufficient to determine whether melamine, a chemical used in some food packaging and personal care items, causes cancer in humans. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers melamine “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The FDA continues to allow melamine in certain food-contact products, but countries such as Canada and members of the European Union are re-examining its use.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) study leader Alexandra White, Ph.D., notes that the findings show an association, not proof of causation, between forever chemicals and a higher ER-negative breast cancer risk. As research continues to uncover the potential health effects of common chemical exposure, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize their exposure. Talk to your doctor or oncologist.
Sources
- Chemical hazard
- Aggressive cancer type linked to common chemical exposure in new study
- Nail salon workers face underestimated risks from chemical exposure
- EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits: How UK WELs Compare With EU and US Limits for 20 Common Workplace Chemicals – Technology Org
- Your kid’s colorful plates and bowls could be exposing them to a cancer-linked chemical
- Valo Health and Montai Therapeutics Merge to Create Leading Drug Discovery Platform Powered by Human Evidence – AOL
Photo: NIH History Office from Bethesda (Public domain)
