PFAS and Breast Cancer: Understanding the Risks and Protecting Your Health

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the strides we've made in understanding and combating breast cancer while acknowledging the ongoing challenges we face.

One of the emerging areas of research is the potential link between environmental pollutants, particularly PFAS and breast cancer. Understanding this connection is crucial as we seek to reduce risk factors and enhance prevention efforts.

Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential link between exposure to PFAS and breast cancer. Research indicates that PFAS may contribute to breast cancer development through several mechanisms:

PFAS can interfere with endocrine function, potentially disrupting the balance of hormones such as estrogen. Since many breast cancers are hormone-sensitive, this disruption could increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

PFAS have been shown to cause oxidative stress, which can damage cellular DNA. This damage can lead to mutations that may contribute to cancer development, including breast cancer.

PFAS exposure can weaken the immune system, reducing the body's ability to detect and destroy cancerous cells. A compromised immune system may make it harder for the body to combat the early stages of breast cancer.

Recent studies have provided insight into the connection between PFAS and breast cancer.

For example, a study published in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology investigated the effects of PFAS on breast cancer cells and found that these chemicals can significantly impact cellular behavior.

The research highlights that PFAS exposure may influence the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells, suggesting a potential mechanism through which PFAS could contribute to breast cancer development.

Not all research is conclusive, but risk concerns are growing. This evidence underscores the importance of addressing PFAS exposure as part of a broader strategy for breast cancer prevention and awareness.

While the connection between PFAS and breast cancer is still being studied, taking proactive steps to reduce your exposure to these chemicals can be a crucial part of your overall health strategy.

Here are some strategies:

One of the most effective ways to minimize risk is by using a high-quality water filter that is verified to remove PFAS from your drinking and bathing water.

The Weddell Duo Shower Filter, for instance, is verified to eliminate 99% of PFAS, providing an extra layer of protection every time you shower.

Once PFAS enter your system, they can circulate in your blood and accumulate in tissues for years. This makes them difficult to remove completely from your body once they are there.

You can’t 100% remove PFAS that are already in your body. Most scientific and medical guidance focuses on reducing exposure.

However, you can minimize the overall burden of PFAS with these strategies:

• Stay hydrated: Water supports kidney function and waste removal.

• Eat a fiber-rich diet: Fiber helps bind certain toxins and supports digestion.

• Exercise and sweating: Some persistent chemicals can be excreted through sweat.

• Support liver health: Certain foods may help optimize detox pathways.

• Avoid new sources of PFAS: Use filtered water, choose stainless steel or glass instead of nonstick cookware, and avoid stain-resistant or water-repellent products.

Prevention and exposure reduction are the most effective ways to reduce the effect of PFAS.

Beyond filtering your water, it's also wise to be vigilant about the everyday products you use. Many household items may contain PFAS, so take precautionary steps such as: 

• Limit packaged and fast food (often wrapped in PFAS-treated materials).

• Choose stainless steel, glass, or cast-iron cookware instead of nonstick.

• Be mindful of “stain-resistant” or “waterproof” products.

Opt for products labeled as PFAS-free and educate yourself on the ingredients in your household and personal care items.

Additionally, supporting brands and companies that prioritize transparency and environmental responsibility can further reduce your exposure.

Staying informed about the latest research and guidelines on PFAS is another important step in reducing your risk.

As new findings emerge, being aware of potential sources of exposure and understanding how to mitigate them will empower you to make safer choices for yourself and your family.

By making these small but significant changes, you contribute to your overall well-being and help to protect those you love from potential harm.

As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it's essential to recognize the importance of supporting research initiatives that explore the environmental factors contributing to breast cancer, including the impact of PFAS.

Here are some ways you can support breast cancer research initiatives:

• Donate: By donating to breast cancer research organizations, you are directly contributing to the advancement of scientific understanding and the development of more effective prevention strategies.

• Advocate: Participating in awareness campaigns and advocating for stricter regulations on harmful chemicals like PFAS can make a significant difference.

• Get Involved: Getting involved in community events such as charity walks or fundraisers not only helps raise vital funds for research but also fosters a sense of solidarity among those affected by breast cancer.

Every effort, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in the collective fight against this disease. Together, we can support the scientific breakthroughs that will lead to a future where breast cancer is not only treatable but preventable.

Understanding the potential connection between PFAS and breast cancer is a vital step in enhancing prevention efforts and protecting public health. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, we can contribute to reducing the risk of breast cancer and promoting a healthier future.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s honor those affected by breast cancer by advocating for greater awareness and action on environmental health risks.

Research has linked long-term PFAS exposure (sometimes called "forever chemicals") to several health issues, including certain cancers, liver damage, thyroid disease, and hormone disruption.

Unfortunately, PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because the body eliminates them very slowly. There’s no proven quick detox, but you can support your body’s natural elimination systems by staying hydrated, eating a lot of fiber, sweating through exercise, and avoiding new exposure.

Breast cancer symptoms can vary, but five common warning signs include:

1. A new lump in the breast or underarm

2. Changes in breast size or shape

3. Skin changes (dimpling, puckering, redness, or thickening).

4. Nipple changes (inversion, discharge, or pain).

5. Persistent breast pain or tenderness

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early detection makes treatment far more effective.

1. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). PFOA, PFOS, and Related PFAS Chemicals. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/teflon-and-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa.html

2. Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council. (2020). History and Use of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) found in the Environment [PDF file]. https://pfas-1.itrcweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/history_and_use_508_2020Aug_Final.pdf

3. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). PFAS Exposure and Risk of Cancer. https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas#breast-cancer

4. Endocrine Society. (n.d.). PFAS Chemicals: EDCs Contaminating Our Water and Food Supply. https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/what-edcs-are/common-edcs/pfas

5. Chang, V. C., Rhee, J., Berndt, S. I., Moore, S. C., Freedman, N. D., Jones, R. R., Silverman, D. T., Gierach, G. L., Hofmann, J. N., & Purdue, M. P. (2023). Serum perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer according to hormone receptor status: An analysis in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. International Journal of Cancer, 153(4), 775–782. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.34487

6. Wielsøe, M., Long, M., Ghisari, M., & Bonefeld-Jørgensen, E. C. (2015). Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) affect oxidative stress biomarkers in vitro. Chemosphere, 129, 239–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.10.014

7. National Toxicology Program. (2016). Immunotoxicity Associated with Exposure to Perfluorooctanoic Acid or Perfluorooctane Sulfonate [PDF file]. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/sites/default/files/ntp/ohat/pfoa_pfos/pfoa_pfosmonograph_508.pdf

8. Pesonen, M., & Vähäkangas, K. (2024). Involvement of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds in tumor development. Archives of Toxicology, 98(5), 1241–1252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-024-03685-7