Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the risk of thyroid and breast cancer: Evidence from a meta-analysis and computational toxicology.
Hao-Yang Shen, Meng-Hao Jin, Zi-Chao Wu et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis evaluated the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and the risks of thyroid and breast cancer. The analysis included literature from January 2003 to May 2025. It found that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were inversely associated with thyroid cancer (OR 0.87 and 0.84, respectively), while overall PFAS exposure showed a borderline association with breast cancer (OR 1.04).
Key findings
- PFOA exposure was associated with a thyroid cancer odds ratio of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.77-0.98).
- PFHxS exposure was linked to a thyroid cancer odds ratio of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.75-0.94).
- Overall PFAS exposure had an odds ratio of 1.04 (95% CI: 1.00-1.09) for breast cancer.
- PFAS exposure was inversely associated with invasive breast cancer (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.26-0.76).
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between PFAS exposure and cancer risk is crucial for public health, as these substances are widespread environmental pollutants. This research may inform future studies and risk assessments regarding endocrine disruptors and cancer.