‘Forever chemical’ exposure linked to higher cancer odds in women

New research finds evidence that exposure to PFAS and phenols increases odds of certain hormonally driven' cancers for women

Women exposed to several widely used chemicals appear to face increased odds for ovarian and other types of cancers, including a doubling of odds for melanoma, according to new research funded by the US government.

Using data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a team of academic researchers found evidence that women diagnosed with some hormonally driven" cancers had exposures to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are used in thousands of household and industrial products, including in stain- and heat-resistant items.