NIH study links two 'forever chemicals' to higher risk of ER-negative breast cancer

Women with higher blood levels of two common PFAS, or "forever chemicals," were more likely to develop estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, according to a new study by the National Institutes of Health published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The study found no clear association between the two chemicals and overall breast cancer risk, NIH said.

Researchers measured 17 PFAS in blood collected years before diagnosis. Women with the highest levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) had a 67% higher rate of ER-negative breast cancer than those with the lowest levels, and for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) the rate was 93% higher, according to NIH. The agency said these figures describe relative differences between groups, not an individual's chance of getting cancer.

NIH said ER-negative breast cancers tend to be more aggressive and have worse outcomes, and less is known about their risk factors. The analysis drew on the NIH Sister Study, including 1,609 women who developed breast cancer and a comparison group of 2,269 women.

According to NIH, PFOA and PFOS have largely been phased out and replaced with newer PFAS compounds. Study leader Alexandra White said more research is needed, particularly on the newer replacement chemicals. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the findings call for further investigation.

Source: National Institutes of Health.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/799