PFAS and breast cancer – what you need to know.

When you hear ‘non-stick’, you probably think of frying pans. But did you know that these slippery chemicals, called PFAS, also show up in things like clothing, furniture, and even cosmetics? Researchers are now investigating what exposure to these substances could mean for our health, including our risk of breast cancer. 

In this blog, we’ll break down what PFAS are, where you might come across them in everyday life, what the research says about breast cancer risk, and what practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure. Keep reading to find out. 

What are PFAS? 

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and there are more than 10,000 different types ​[1]​. They’re all synthetic chemicals built around very strong bonds, which makes them stain-resistant, grease-proof, water-repellent, and extremely durable. They last so long that they have picked up the nickname ‘forever chemicals’ ​[2]​. 

Their durability, while useful in manufacturing, is not so great for the environment or for our bodies. Because they don’t break down easily, many PFAS can build up over time in wildlife, the environment, and in humans. Exposure has been linked to several health concerns, including thyroid disease, fertility problems, and some cancers including breast cancer​[3,4]​. 

Where are PFAS found in everyday life? 

Most of us are exposed to PFAS through eating food and drinking water, but they can also be in the air we breathe or the dust in our homes – and even absorbed through our skin from certain products ​[5,6]​.  

Here are some of the most common everyday sources of PFAS ​[7,8]​: 

• In the kitchen: tap water, food, non-stick pans, fast food wrappers, takeaway containers and microwave popcorn bags. 
• In the bathroom: cosmetics, hair conditioner, dental floss, contact lenses and cleaning products. 
• In the living room or office: furniture, carpets, office chairs, printer ink, laptops, TV and, cables. 
• Outdoor items: waterproof clothing and camping equipment, bike oils, sealants, ski wax and fishing lines. 

Although the use of PFAS is starting to be restricted, change can be slow. Older products that don’t meet newer standards aren’t immediately required to be taken off the market, so it helps to know where exposure might be coming from in your daily life ​[3]​.  

The “forever chemicals” problem 

PFAS don’t just stick around in products, they also hang around in the environment ​[9]​. Levels have been building up ever since they were first widely used in the 1940s ​[5]​. In England, two PFAS that were banned several years ago (PFOA in 2019; PFOS in 2009) are still being detected in over 99% of surface water and freshwater sites ​[5,10]​. 

In the human body, some PFAS are removed relatively quickly, but others can linger for years. So even if you cut out all PFAS exposure today, it could take a long time for your body to work through what’s already there. Even though it was banned 17 years ago, PFOS is still routinely detected in humans ​[11]​. 

In fact, studies show that most people worldwide have some level of PFAS in their blood, and they’ve also been found in the liver, kidneys, brain and breast milk ​[12,13]​. 

The breast cancer connection: what does the research say about PFAS?  

Some studies have linked higher levels of PFAS in the blood to certain cancers, mainly kidney and testicular cancer. When it comes to breast cancer, the picture is less clear and still being painted ​[4,14]​. 

Large reviews combining the results of multiple studies suggest that some PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer ​[15,16]​. For other PFAS, evidence is still emerging; however, there are some signs of a link to breast cancer ​[17,18]​. Studies in animals have found a higher risk of mammary tumours with PFAS exposure ​[19]​. 

One of the challenges of researching PFAS is sheer scale: with thousands of different PFAS in existence, it’s not realistic to study every single one in detail. And even if we could, that wouldn’t tell the whole story. Everyday life exposes us to mixtures of PFAS alongside many other chemicals. Research suggests that these chemical ‘cocktails’ can sometimes be more harmful than any single chemical on its own ​[20,21]​. 

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that we will ever have a complete picture of the exact risk carried by every PFAS, let alone every possible mixture. However, adopting a precautionary principle and limiting exposure to PFAS is what we advise given the evidence of potentially harmful effects not just in the body, but in wildlife, and the environment too ​[6,9]​. 

How could PFAS affect breast cancer development? 

Some PFAS are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), meaning they can interfere with hormones like oestrogen. Having higher levels of oestrogen is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer. Acting as EDCs, some evidence suggests that PFAS may raise oestrogen levels in the body which could increase breast cancer risk ​[18,22]​.  

There’s also research suggesting that PFAS can indirectly damage DNA or change how genes behave, potentially switching on pathways linked to cancer development ​[23,24]​. 

PFAS have also been detected in the placenta and umbilical cord, meaning babies could be exposed in the womb even before they are born ​[25]​. Research in this area is ongoing to understand PFAS exposure in the womb, and whether this affects human health, including breast cancer risk, later in life. For more information about breast cancer risk across different stages of life, see our facts sheets. 

What does “increased risk” actually mean? 

Breast cancer is a complex disease, and its development can be influenced by many different factors. Think of it like a leaky roof with lots of small holes. Each hole lets a bit of water in, so fixing one helps, but it doesn’t seal the roof completely. 

PFAS may be one of those holes. We do not yet know for sure how big it is, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try and fix it, as it could have an impact in reducing breast cancer risk. 

Is it too late if I’ve already been exposed to PFAS? 

No, and you’re not alone. Most people have been exposed to PFAS over their lifetime. Studies in the US suggest that at least 95% of people have detectable levels in their blood ​[26]​. In the UK, a very small study found that all participants tested were also positive ​[27]​.  

The key thing is this: it’s still worth reducing your exposure now. Research shows that lowering exposure can gradually bring down levels of PFAS in your body over time ​[28]​. You don’t need to make huge changes overnight; every small step adds up over time. 

What you can actually do about PFAS 

1. Replace your non-stick pans 

• Why: PFAS can get into food if coatings are scratched or overheated 
• What to do: Switch to stainless steel or cast iron, starting with the pans you use most 

2. Rethink takeaways 

• Why: PFAS are often used in food packaging 

What to do: Cut down where you can, or choose food places that use plain cardboard packaging; use glass containers for leftovers 

3. Check your cosmetics 

• Why: PFAS are sometimes used to improve water resistance 
• What to do: Look for PFAS-free labels, or check ingredient lists for terms like ‘perfluoro’ or ‘fluoro’ 

4. Be more selective with textiles 

• Why: PFAS are often used to make fabrics stain- and water-resistant 
• What to do: Choose untreated natural fibres, like wool and cotton, where you can 

5. Dust regularly 

• Why: PFAS can settle in household dust 
• What to do: Vacuum and dust regularly to reduce build-up 

You don’t need to: 

• Throw away everything you own 
• Bin all of your cosmetics before you’ve finished using them 
• Stop eating out 
• Avoid all packaged food 

The bigger picture 

While individual choices matter, PFAS are a much wider issue. These chemicals are now so widespread that tackling them requires tougher regulations on a global scale. 

Stronger regulations, especially for industrial manufacturing and commercial use, are key to reducing pollution at its source ​[5]​. Regulatory processes also need to change. Studying and restricting one PFAS at a time, when there are thousands currently in use is not sustainable and will make little difference to the general public’s exposure.  

Current restrictions on PFAS in the UK 

The UK published its ‘PFAS plan’ in early 2026, but it focuses largely on monitoring over taking faster, more direct action. For example, finding better ways to remove PFAS already present in the environment or providing clear timelines for phasing out their use in certain products.  

In contrast, the EU is moving towards restricting PFAS as a group, which can help prevent one harmful chemical simply being replaced by another similar one (called ‘regrettable substitution’). The EU also has legally binding regulations that cover drinking water, freshwater resources, food, food packaging, and toys while the UK currently does not. 

It’s worth remembering that the stronger action now being seen in the EU has happened, in part, because of public pressure. There’s no reason we can’t speak up here in the UK. You can help by adding your voice to the debate: 

• Support our EDC campaign ‘EDCs: Hiding in Plain Sight’ in which we are calling a ban on all non-essential EDCs until their proven safe. 
• Ask questions as a consumer – find out whether brands have phased out PFAS or what they’re using instead 
• Contact your MP to push for stronger protections in the UK 
• Share information with family and friends to help raise awareness 

Don’t forget the bigger risk picture: PFAS are just one piece of the puzzle. There are other steps that can help reduce breast cancer risk, though remember that you don’t need to do everything at once: 

• Keeping alcohol intake within UK guidelines (no more than 14 units per week) 
• Staying physically active 
• Maintaining a healthy weight 
• Eating a fibre-rich diet with plenty vegetables 

Key takeaways 

• PFAS are artificial “forever chemicals” that can build up in the body 
• Some may increase breast cancer risk, but evidence is still developing 
• Most of us have already been exposed - you're not alone 
• It is not too late to take action: focus on simple, high-impact changes (cookware, food packaging) 
• Remember: PFAS are just one of many risk factors 
• We need both individual actions but also stronger regulation  

If you want to learn more about PFAS and breast cancer, you can check out our website. See our Key Fact Sheet for a quick overview, or for a more in-depth article, see our Science Review.