The Top Cancers Linked to PFAS and AFFF Exposure

For decades, toxic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been quietly accumulating in our environment, our drinking water, and even our bodies. Once celebrated for their resistance to heat, water, and grease, PFAS are now at the center of mounting public health concerns and growing legal battles. One of the most alarming issues? The link between PFAS—and particularly Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a type of firefighting foam—and cancer. 

At Constant Legal Group, we’re helping individuals and families affected by PFAS and AFFF exposure pursue justice and compensation. Here’s what you need to know about these harmful chemicals, the cancers they can cause, and what legal options may be available to you. 

What Are PFAS and AFFF?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in a wide range of products, from nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing to food packaging and industrial equipment. Because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, they’re often called “forever chemicals.” 

One of the most dangerous applications of PFAS is in AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam. AFFF has been used for decades to extinguish fuel-based fires, especially on military bases, airports, and industrial sites. It’s highly effective, but it’s also highly toxic. 

AFFF contains high levels of PFAS, which can seep into soil and groundwater, contaminating entire communities and exposing firefighters, military personnel, and residents to serious health risks. 

The Dangers of PFAS Exposure

PFAS is known to accumulate in the body over time. Even small, repeated exposures can lead to significant buildup. These chemicals can travel through drinking water, air, soil, and even food, making it difficult to avoid exposure once contamination occurs. 

Research from the EPA, CDC, and independent studies has linked PFAS to numerous health problems, including: 

• Hormonal imbalances 
• Immune system suppression 
• Liver damage 
• Reproductive issues 
• High cholesterol 
• Developmental delays in infants and children 

But one of the most troubling findings is the connection between PFAS and cancer, particularly for individuals with long-term or occupational exposure. 

The Top Cancers Linked to PFAS and AFFF Exposure

Several studies have shown a strong correlation between PFAS exposure and the development of specific cancers. The following are the most commonly linked cancers: 

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer has one of the most well-established links to PFAS. The kidneys help filter waste from the blood, which means they are highly exposed to circulating toxins like PFAS. 

Testicular Cancer

Military personnel and firefighters exposed to AFFF have shown increased rates of testicular cancer. The connection is strong enough that the Department of Veterans Affairs now recognizes it as a service-related condition in some cases. 

Liver Cancer

Liver damage and tumors have been observed in lab animals exposed to PFAS. Human studies suggest a connection between high PFAS blood levels and liver disease, which can lead to cancer over time. 

Pancreatic Cancer

Though less widely studied than other cancers, pancreatic cancer is beginning to show up more frequently in PFAS litigation due to its association with chronic inflammation and endocrine disruption. 

Prostate Cancer

Firefighters exposed to AFFF have reported higher rates of prostate cancer, leading many experts to examine PFAS’s effect on hormone-sensitive tissues. 

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can be exposed to PFAS through contaminated water or consumer products, certain groups are especially vulnerable: 

• Firefighters who use or are exposed to AFFF foam during training or emergency response 
• Military personnel, particularly those stationed on bases where AFFF was used routinely 
• Airport and industrial workers exposed to AFFF or industrial PFAS 
• Residents living near military bases, airports, or PFAS manufacturing plants 
• Families using contaminated municipal or private water wells 

In many cases, these individuals were never warned about the risks despite mounting evidence that manufacturers knew of PFAS toxicity for decades. 

The Long-Term Effects on Health and Life

The consequences of PFAS-related cancer can be devastating. These conditions often require: 

• Ongoing medical treatment, including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy 
• Time away from work or permanent disability 
• Emotional and mental health struggles for both the patient and family 
• Financial strain from medical costs, lost income, and caregiving responsibilities 

These long-term effects can deeply impact quality of life, not just for the person affected, but for their entire household. 

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Lawsuits filed across the U.S. allege that chemical manufacturers such as 3M, DuPont, and companies that produced AFFF—including Chemguard, Tyco, and BASF—knew about the dangers of PFAS but failed to properly warn the public. 

These companies may be held liable for: 

• Designing and manufacturing defective products 
• Failing to provide adequate warnings or safety instructions 
• Polluting groundwater and the environment 
• Negligently exposing workers and communities to toxic substances 

If a connection can be made between your illness and PFAS exposure, you may be eligible to contact an AFFF lawyer and join ongoing litigation or file an individual lawsuit. 

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a toxic exposure case can be complex. Medical evidence, expert testimony, and long timelines often play a role. That’s why working with an experienced personal injury law firm, like Constant Legal Group, is so important. 

We can help you: 

• Investigate your exposure history and identify responsible parties 
• Obtain your medical records and connect you with medical experts 
• File claims within the legal deadlines 
• Pursue compensation for your treatment, lost wages, pain, and suffering 
• Join ongoing PFAS lawsuits or multidistrict litigation (MDL), if applicable 

At Constant Legal Group, we have deep experience with complex environmental and product liability cases. We’ve helped clients recover significant compensation for illnesses caused by corporate negligence, and we’re ready to help you too. 

What Compensation Can You Receive?

If you or a loved one has developed cancer due to PFAS or AFFF exposure, you may be entitled to compensation for: 

• Medical bills (past and future) 
• Lost income or reduced earning potential 
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases) 
• Funeral expenses and future support for surviving family members 

In cases of gross negligence, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the companies responsible and prevent future harm. 

Take Action Today

If you believe your cancer or a loved one’s diagnosis may be linked to PFAS or AFFF exposure, don’t wait. The sooner you speak with a personal injury lawyer, the sooner you can begin building a strong case for justice. Contact our legal team at Constant Legal Group today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, evaluate your claim, and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.