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Study links two PFAS chemicals to higher risk of ER-negative breast cancer

Fox News reports that an NIH study links two PFAS chemicals to ER-negative breast cancer, though authors say it shows association, not causation.

Published Nov 10, 2026 · 21:12 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • NIH researchers report that higher blood levels of PFOA and PFOS are linked to ER-negative breast cancer.[Fox News]
  • The highest PFOA and PFOS exposure groups showed 67% and 93% higher rates than the lowest groups, as relative differences rather than individual risk.[Fox News]
  • Authors stress an association rather than causation, and the study mainly examined older PFAS chemicals now largely phased out.[Fox News]

Key facts

  • A National Institutes of Health study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that women with higher blood levels of PFOA and PFOS were more likely to develop ER-negative breast cancer.[Fox News]
  • The highest PFOA exposure group had a 67% higher rate of ER-negative breast cancer, and the highest PFOS group had a 93% higher rate, compared with the lowest exposure group.[Fox News]
  • Study leader Alexandra White said the study and an accompanying meta-analysis provide evidence that two PFAS are related to a higher ER-negative breast cancer risk.[Fox News]
  • Study authors said the findings show an association, not proof of causation, between forever chemical exposure and breast cancer risk.[Fox News]
  • The study focused mainly on older PFAS chemicals that have been largely phased out, and experts know very little about the PFAS replacing them.[Fox News]

What remains uncertain

  • The findings show an association rather than causation, and more research is needed.[Fox News]
  • The health effects of newer replacement PFAS compounds are largely unknown because the study focused on older chemicals.[Fox News]
  • The reported percentages are relative differences between groups and do not indicate an individual woman's chance of developing breast cancer.[Fox News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.