PFAS exposure has been linked to pancreatic cancer, a disease that has one of the lowest survival rates among all cancers.
People exposed to PFAS can significantly improve their outcomes with early detection, which directly impacts treatment planning and legal compensation.
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The harsh reality is that early detection can mean the difference between a 44% survival rate and a 3% survival rate, depending on how far the cancer has spread. For veterans and others who lived near contaminated military bases, the health risks tied to PFAS exposure are especially concerning.
Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer 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. PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) are two types of PFAS. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans in 2023, while PFOS was found to be possibly carcinogenic to humans.
PFAS can drastically alter biological processes, as seen in different studies. Research using genetically engineered mouse models showed that PFOA exposure led to a 58% increased pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and a twofold increase in lesion number. PFOA exposure enhanced oxidative stress and tissue damage, promoting cancer development. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found clear evidence of association between PFOA and pancreatic cancer in male rats over a two-year study period.
The prognosis for pancreatic cancer depends heavily on when it's caught. This is what the data shows:
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer typically remains silent until advanced stages, with 80% of cases diagnosed when the disease has already spread. However, 10% of patients diagnosed early have significantly better outcomes and potential for disease-free survival.
Pancreatic cancer rates have been found to be higher in communities near military bases that are contaminated with PFAS. In Pennsylvania, residents near a naval air station showed statistically higher pancreatic cancer rates than the state as a whole. Because of widespread PFAS contamination at military installations, some groups face higher risks of developing pancreatic cancer:
Pancreatic cancer brings devastating medical and financial consequences that no family should face alone. When toxic exposure contributes to your diagnosis, pursuing legal action becomes crucial for securing your future. Atraxia Law offers free consultations to evaluate your PFAS-related pancreatic cancer claim and determine your eligibility for compensation.
Our team only needs medical documentation of your pancreatic cancer diagnosis and evidence of PFAS exposure through military service or residence near contaminated facilities. We handle the complex legal process while you focus on your health and family. Schedule your no-obligation case review today to explore your options for holding responsible parties accountable.