Male breast cancer is among the rarest forms of cancer, accounting for 1 in every 100 cases of breast cancer in the United States. Until today, there is no known cause of male breast cancer, and it's generally tied to risk factors like genetic mutations and hormonal disruptions, but experts believe that a new suspect could be responsible: PFAS.
For years, industries and manufacturers relied on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) for a wide variety of applications. They earned the nickname 'forever chemicals' due to their strong bond, but their inability to break down also made them potentially dangerous not only to nature but also to human health. The list of evidence connecting PFAS exposure to health risks continues to grow, and it includes male breast cancer.
Presently, scientists continue to specifically investigate the connection between PFAS exposure and the risk of developing male breast cancer. Still, it is important to note that there have been previous studies linking these 'forever chemicals' to higher chances of getting breast cancer, both in women and men.
In 2023, researchers from the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch of the National Cancer Institute discovered suggestive evidence between exposure to certain PFAS types - PFOA and PFOS - and a higher risk of developing breast cancer. They underlined that the endocrine-disrupting properties of PFAS may also contribute to an increased risk of hormonal cancers, which affect the thyroid, prostate, and breasts.
Likewise, a meta-analysis study published in the journal Toxics provided additional evidence that suggests exposure to specific forms of PFAS - PFOA and PFHxS - can be risk factors for breast cancer.
While male breast cancer remains rare, scientists expressed concerns about a rising trend in new cases. They pointed out that from 2004 to 2014, they observed an increase in the number of male breast cancer patients. These findings prompted the scientific community to conduct more research on other potential factors, including exposure to harmful chemicals like PFAS.
For individuals diagnosed with male breast cancer, timely treatment can greatly help in their recovery, which is why it is crucial to know if they qualify for filing toxic exposure claims.
We encourage military personnel (current and former), their family members, and residents living within a mile of a military base with known PFAS contamination to get in touch with our team. Atraxia Law can provide case evaluation, and if you are eligible, we can connect you to an experienced lawyer. By simply sharing with us documents proving your male breast cancer diagnosis and exposure to PFAS, you can be part of the countless individuals we have supported in filing their toxic exposure claims and, ultimately, receive the compensation they deserved.