Posted on May 30th, 2025
The American Cancer Society estimates that over 67,000 cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025. The odds of developing this condition increase with exposure to toxic chemicals, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are found in firefighting foam used by both military and civilian firefighters.
Pancreatic cancer is less common than other cancers, but it is one of the deadliest among all. An estimated projection of cancer deaths in the U.S. found that pancreatic cancer was projected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. before 2040. In most cases, the early stages of the disease will show no symptoms. In the later stages, common symptoms include the following:
- abdominal bloating pain
- digestive problems
- jaundice
- unexplained fatigue
- unexplained weight loss
- blood clots
Generally, your risk of developing pancreatic cancer may increase depending on smoking habits, family history, and exposure to hazardous chemicals at work. If you are a military or civilian firefighter, you most likely encountered aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which may have exposed you to cancer-causing chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam may promote pancreatic cancer progression
Based on experimental studies, there are three possible ways that PFAS can affect the pancreas. First, PFAS have been linked to epigenetic modifications in animal studies, possibly through DNA methylation. In another study, a type of PFAS known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was found to induce oxidative stress in the pancreas. Oxidative stress led to increased pancreatic oxidative damage, potentially promoting pancreatic cancer progression.
Lastly, a study suggested that PFAS may also be associated with pancreatic cancer through the inflammation mechanism. Inflammation triggers a response from the immune system, which may damage healthy cells and lead to tumor growth. These harmful effects of PFAS found in AFFF, including PFOA, could explain why there was a high risk estimate for pancreatic cancer deaths among firefighters.
High-risk groups for pancreatic cancer: claim requirements
Military and civilian firefighters have been exposed to PFAS chemicals through the use of firefighting foam. Many have closely worked with the foam for decades without knowing the possible ways that PFAS may damage the pancreas. If you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after years of AFFF exposure, PFAS chemicals may have affected your risk. You may contact the Environmental Litigation Group for further discussion on your case. We only need the following documents to offer legal assistance:
- Employment records (or military records) documenting your AFFF exposure during service
- Medical documents showing your diagnosis of pancreatic cancer after working with AFFF
We provide legal assistance to military and civilian firefighters
In battling pancreatic cancer, timely and consistent access to medical care is essential. While you undergo treatment and recovery, we can handle the filing of your AFFF exposure claim on your behalf. With no additional burden to you, we can ensure that you receive compensation for medical costs and financial damages resulting from your PFAS-linked condition. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
