New Study Finds Significant Chemical Exposure in Women with Cancer

• October 5, 2023

Researchers have uncovered a significant link between certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and an elevated risk of breast, ovarian, skin, and uterine cancers. While not conclusive evidence of a direct causal relationship, this study strongly suggests that chemicals like PFAS and phenols (including BPA) may play a role in cancer development and warrant further investigation.

Conducted by researchers from UC San Francisco (UCSF), University of Southern California (USC), and the University of Michigan, the study analyzed data from over 10,000 individuals in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). It explored the connection between phenol and PFAS exposure and prior cancer diagnoses, with a focus on potential racial disparities.

The findings, published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, revealed notable associations. Women with increased exposure to specific PFAS compounds had double the odds of a prior melanoma diagnosis. Additionally, PFNA (another long-chained PFAS compound) exposure was linked to prior uterine cancer diagnoses, and higher phenol exposure correlated with previous ovarian cancer diagnoses.

This research underscores the importance of considering PFAS and phenols as environmental risk factors for cancer, particularly among women. PFAS, prevalent in products like Teflon pans and waterproof clothing, have contaminated the environment and are known to disrupt hormone function, potentially contributing to hormone-related cancers.

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