People usually brush off fatigue as a sign of stress or aging. But when combined with other warning signs, especially for people with a history of chemical exposure, it could indicate a serious condition like leukemia.
In a recent report, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 66,000 new leukemia cases will be diagnosed in 2025.
The report also shows a decrease in the mortality rate for cancer, which highlights that early detection and access to treatment can make a difference. Common symptoms of leukemia may include:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam that the U.S. military has used since the 1970s. PFAS comes in different types, including PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate). The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans, while PFOS was found to be possibly carcinogenic to humans.
PFAS can drastically alter biological processes, as seen in different studies. It can alter DNA methylation or overwhelm the body's antioxidants by increasing oxidative stress. This is how these "forever chemicals" affect a person's chance of developing cancer later in life, after long-term exposure to PFAS by occupation or proximity. For example, a 2023 study found that another type of PFAS in AFFF was associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Over 16,000 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) among veterans were recorded in the Veterans Affairs system from 1999 to 2020. A leukemia diagnosis could be related to family history, but it could have been triggered by the patient's exposure to chemicals. Hundreds of U.S. military bases are contaminated with PFAS. Because of this, some groups face higher risks of developing severe conditions, particularly the following:
Fighting leukemia takes a toll on a person physically and emotionally. If you have been diagnosed with leukemia after PFAS exposure on a military base, we can assist you in filing a claim. Our legal team will review your case at no cost. You only need to provide your medical records showing your diagnosis and military records if you are a veteran. Proof of residence is needed for family members of military veterans who lived at a base or for nearby residents who lived within one mile of a contaminated base.