By Michael Bartlett on June 26th, 2025 in PFAS/AFFF
Liver cancer is among the deadliest forms of cancer affecting Americans, claiming at least 30,000 lives each year. The risk of developing this condition can be affected by risk factors like preexisting medical conditions (liver damage), excessive alcohol intake, and genetics (family history).
Recent studies have found that exposure to toxic chemicals can also be a potential trigger, including exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These are the key components of firefighting foam used by civilian and military firefighters.
PFAS not only persists in nature, affecting soil and groundwater, they can also accumulate in the blood and in different organs, making them a public health hazard affecting millions of people in the U.S. PFAS has caused serious issues affecting the health of exposed victims, especially high-risk groups, such as�civilian and military firefighters who have been in contact with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). A patient diagnosed with liver cancer�may experience symptoms like:
Scientists believe that the inability of PFAS to break down can cause adverse health effects. When absorbed into the bloodstream, these synthetic chemicals can remain in the body for a long time and accumulate in the blood or in different organs like the liver.
When PFAS chemicals accumulate in the liver, they can alter several body functions. For example, PFAS can alter glucose and bile acid metabolism, which can lead to serious health complications like liver damage or, worse, liver cancer.
Other studies in animals have also found that PFAS can induce oxidative stress, which can lead to an environment that favors tumor growth. Lastly, PFAS can also bind to nuclear receptors that regulate lipid metabolism and cell growth. When activated by toxic chemicals, they can trigger abnormal cell growth and tumor development.
Some of the most notable studies analyzing the relationship between PFAS and liver cancer found that individuals with higher concentrations of PFOS are 4.5 times more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer.
Another study from the journal Environmental Health Perspectives showed that exposure to certain PFAS types - specifically PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA - may increase the chances of developing NAFLD, a condition where excessive fat buildup occurs in liver cells, and a known risk factor for liver cancer. These three chemicals have all been detected in various types of AFFF, which were likely used by military firefighters in training and responding to emergencies.
Civilian and military firefighters diagnosed with liver cancer must seek help immediately, as they may be eligible to receive compensation. You may also contact our team today to learn how we can provide you with the legal support you need. Since 1990, our law firm has helped dozens of individuals file AFFF claims and obtain the compensation they deserve.